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Semantic memory impairment in dementia: A cross-cultural adaptation study

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Abstract

Background

Semantic memory deficits are frequently encountered in dementia and distinct patterns of semantic impairment characterize the subtypes of dementia. Life course and cultural experiences significantly influence semantic memory. Hence, there is a need to assess semantic memory using culturally appropriate tests, to aid accurate diagnosis of dementia and facilitate cross-cultural collaborative research.

Aims

In this prospective study, we adapted and validated the Cambridge Semantic Memory (CSM) test battery to the Indian cultural context and studied the patterns of semantic memory impairment across dementia subtypes.

Methods

The CSM battery was modified using standard methods and by incorporating culturally appropriate changes and new semantic categories relevant to India. The adapted Indian Semantic Memory (ISM) test battery was administered to a cohort of 121 subjects, consisting of controls and dementia: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA), semantic dementia (SD), and behavioral variant fronto-temporal dementia (BvFTD). Profile of semantic memory performance across groups was examined.

Results

The ISM battery was found to be a valid measure of semantic memory. The novel semantic categories of gods/religious icons, vegetables, and food items added value to the diagnostic process. Distinct semantic memory profiles in SD, PNFA, AD, and BvFTD were demonstrated.

Conclusions

The cultural adaptation of a semantic memory battery for the Indian context provided sensitive evidence of semantic memory impairment in dementia and its subtypes. The clinical and research application of the ISM battery will enhance diagnostic evaluation that can aid in early and accurate identification of deficits and devising intervention strategies and enable research across cultures.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Professor John Hodges for providing us with permissions to use and adapt the Cambridge Semantic Memory test battery.

Availability of data and material

Data available upon request.

Code availability

Not applicable.

Funding

This work was supported by the Department of Science and Technology [grant number: SR/CSI/13/2008].

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India

    Avanthi Paplikar, Faheem Arshad, Feba Varghese & Suvarna Alladi

  2. Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India

    V. P. Vandana & K. J. Darshini

  3. Department of Neurology, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Punjgutta, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500082, India

    Shailaja Mekala, Gowri K. Iyer, Rajamohan Kandukuri, Gollahalli Divyaraj, Subhash Kaul & Suvarna Alladi

  4. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK

    Karalyn Patterson

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  1. Avanthi Paplikar
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Contributions

AP: designed and conceptualized study; analyzed the data; drafted the manuscript for intellectual content. VVP: interpreted the data; revised the manuscript for intellectual content. SM: performed biostatistical review of results. DKJ: data collection and analysis; FA: data collection, interpreted the data, revised the manuscript for intellectual content. GKI, RK, GD, FV, SK, KP: interpreted the data, revised the manuscript for intellectual content. SA: designed and conceptualized study; analyzed the data; drafted the manuscript for intellectual content; interpreted the data; revised the manuscript for intellectual content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Suvarna Alladi.

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Conflict of interest

Avanthi Paplikar is funded by the Department of Bio-Technology (DBT). Shailaja Mekala is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Gowri. K. Iyer, Rajamohan Kandukuri, and Gollahalli Divyaraj are funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The authors declare no competing interests.

Ethical approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Research Ethics Committees of NIMS, Hyderabad, and NIMHANS, Bengaluru, approved the study. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants and their family caregivers.

Consent to participate

Informed consent was obtained from all the participants and their family caregivers.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all the participants and their family caregivers.

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Paplikar, A., Vandana, V.P., Mekala, S. et al. Semantic memory impairment in dementia: A cross-cultural adaptation study. Neurol Sci 43, 265–273 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05272-5

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