Alzheimer patients show a sensitivity decrement over time on a tonic alertness task

Miriam Brazzelli Neuropsychology Unit, Neurology Department, Clinica del Lavoro Foundation, Medical Centre of Veruno (Novara), Italy

Gianna Cocchini Neuropsychology Unit, Neurology Department, Clinica del Lavoro Foundation, Medical Centre of Veruno (Novara), Italy

Sergio Della Sala Department of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, UK

Hans Spinnler Third Neurological Department, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Italy

Abstract

Tonic alertness was investigated in Alzheimer patients and normal elderly subjects. Sensitivity and criterion shifts were investigated across 45 min of continuous testing using a high event rate test with very low target probability. Alzheimer patients showed a significant sensitivity decrement over time that was unrelated to dementia severity. These results suggest that tonic alertness is impaired by Alzheimer's disease even in its early stages.

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Alzheimer patients show a sensitivity decrement over time on a tonic alertness task

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Alzheimer patients show a sensitivity decrement over time on a tonic alertness task

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