Dementia and the functioning of the articulatory loop system

Abstract

This study explored the functioning of the articulatory loop system in patients at the early stages of Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type. The results showed that, in comparison to controls, memory span is clearly impaired, but the effect of phonemic confusability on immediate memory span is relatively normal and the effect of word length on span is also normal. Both effects are abolished by concurrent articulation if the stimulus material is presented visually. With auditory presentation only the word-length effect is abolished. Taken together, these results indicate that, despite overall cognitive impairment and reduced memory span, the articulatory loop system is relatively unimpaired by mild dementia.