Objective: The aim of the present study, was to study the semantic network in confused speech due to advanced frontotemporal dementia.
Design: A single case design was used and a semantic analysis of confused speech was performed. Confused speech often occurs in advanced stages of dementia diseases, and it has a clear relation to disturbed memory processes. Previous studies have shown how asymmetric localization of frontotemporal lesions has consequences for the deterioration of the semantic network (Tallberg 1999, Tallberg et al 2002). The present study integrates these findings with data and theories concerning the role of the frontal lobes for the autonetic form of conciousness. Autonetic conciousness refers to the highest form of human remembrance and to the capacity to represent the self’s experiences in the past, present and future (Wheeler et al 1997).
Materials and Methods: Investigations of confused speech afford a method for semantic analysis of utterances. It is important to consider many aspects of word usage like how words are linked to different semantic areas and how these areas replace each other in the memory search process and how words occur in discourse. Projections of semantic areas and occurrence of words belonging to these areas can be studied systematically by use of defined semantic features concerning range and relevance. In the present study, discursive speech collected from a semi-structured interview with a woman with advanced frontotemporal dementia with right hemispheric predominance of lesion was analyzed. Questions aiming to activate different aspects of long-term memory were used for this purpose and the patient’s answers were analyzed with respect to the above mentioned features of the semantic network.
Results: The results showed that the patient had a very restricted access to episodic memory and that she also had a severe impairment of the semantic network of memories. Her verbal output was characterized by frequent displacements of perspective and faulty semantic selections. Some semantic areas dominated and were constantly projected as answers in a totally unconscious way. The findings were explained by disinhibitive problems together with a lack of autonetic consciousness.
Conclusion: Faulty semantic projections and displacements of perspectives illustrated a lack of autonetic consciousness in the present study of speech in severe frontotemporal dementia.
Back to Poster Session 2
Back to Oral and Poster Sessions
Back to The IPA European Regional Meeting (1-4 April 2003) of IPA