Abstract
The neuropsychological assessment of non-demented subjects with gene mutation of familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) provides a model for exploring the early cognitive features of the disease. We evaluated 1 patient and 6 non-demented subjects belonging to a family with AD with M239V mutation of the presenilin 2 gene, aiming to verify the contribution of specific cognitive patterns to the characterization of familial AD. One patient, 3 non-demented subjects with M239V mutation and 3 subjects without mutation from the same family underwent neuropsychological testing. The patient's cognitive profile was characterized by anosognosia, visuospatial agnosia, apraxia and fluent aphasia. Of the 3 non-demented subjects with mutation, 1 showed no deficits, another constructive apraxia and the third spatial perception and memory deficits. The 3 subjects without mutation showed normal abilities. The cognitive deficits of the non-demented subjects with mutations indicate focal dysfunction of the posterior cortical areas, resembling the more extended parieto-occipito-temporal dysfunction of the demented patient. Such grading of visuospatial, praxis, and language impairments highlights a distinctive pattern related to the M239V mutation of the presenilin 2 gene.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 238-243 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2006 |
Keywords
- Familial Alzheimer's disease
- Presenilin 2
- Subclinical cognitive deficits
- Visuospatial impairment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology