How to make a spaghetti sauce with a dozen small things I cannot name: A review of the impact of semantic-memory deficits on everyday actions

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present current evidence regarding the role of semantic memory in everyday actions. First we describe key models of everyday actions. We then discuss current evidence regarding the role of semantic memory in everyday actions. We reviewed articles reporting on the execution and representation of everyday actions in populations with semantic-memory deficits and single-object use in patients with semantic dementia. Although the evidence is sparse, the general conclusion of this review is that semantic memory seems necessary to support everyday actions. Finally, future challenges and research perspectives are discussed.

Keywords:

• Semantic memory
• Everyday action
• Object use
• Semantic dementia
• Scripts
• Schemas