Visual Memory and Spatial Navigation as Preclinical Indicators of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION: There is an absence of standardized measures for spatial navigation (SN) deficits related to possible visual memory (VM) decline in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This work sought to identify VM changes over time in the cognitively normal (CN) years of those later diagnosed with AD (pre-AD) compared to those who remained CN (non-AD). METHODS: Mixed-effects analysis was performed on the Benson Complex Figure Test (BCTF) delayed recall scores for VM on longitudinal (1-6 years) of pre-AD and non-AD samples from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center. Analysis for sex differences was included. RESULTS: All pre-AD groups demonstrated a significant (P < .001) decrease in VM over time compared to non-AD groups with a Cohen’s d range of .853 to 1.076 across time points. DISCUSSION: The BCTF may serve as an AD screening instrument in CN persons and support inquiry to identify potential SN deficits secondary to VM decline.