Affiliations: [a] Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL, USA
| [b] Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: David A. Loewenstein, PhD, ABPP/CN, Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 3202, Miami, FL 33136, USA. Tel.: +1 305
355-9080; E-mail: dloewenstein@miami.edu.
Abstract: Background:Semantic intrusion errors on memory tests may represent very early cognitive changes associated with elevated Alzheimer’s disease pathology within the brain, including amyloid-β (Aβ). Subscales that measure proactive semantic interference (PSI) and intrusions related to PSI on the Loewenstein Acevedo Scales of Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L) have been associated with high levels of brain amyloid load, structural changes on brain MRI in Hispanic and non-Hispanic groups. It is presently unknown whether intrusion errors or other measures of the LASSI-L can differentiate between African-American (AA) older adults diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or classified as cognitively normal (CN). Objective:This study examined the extent to which a high percentage of semantic intrusion errors on LASSI-L subscales susceptible to PSI and other LASSI-L measures could differentiate between AA aMCI and CN groups. Methods:Forty-eight AA older adults were recruited (27 CN and 21 aMCI) and received a through clinical and neuropsychological evaluation. The LASSI-L was administered independent of diagnostic classification. Results:With and without statistical adjustment for literacy, AA aMCI participants scored lower on all LASSI-L measures. ROC analyses revealed an area under the curve exceeding 90% and correctly classified 86% of AA aMCI with 82% specificity for AA CN participants. Conclusions:Percentage of intrusion errors on the LASSI-L subscales susceptible to PSI differentiated AA aMCI from AA CN. This adds to emerging evidence indicating that the LASSI-L may be culturally appropriate and can differentiate between aMCI and CN in diverse ethnic/cultural groups.
