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Patterns of verbal learning and memory in traumatic brain injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 July 2001

GLENN CURTISS
Affiliation:
Defense and Veterans Head Injury Program, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC James A. Haley VAMC, Tampa, Florida University of South Florida, Tampa
RODNEY D. VANDERPLOEG
Affiliation:
Defense and Veterans Head Injury Program, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC James A. Haley VAMC, Tampa, Florida University of South Florida, Tampa
JAN SPENCER
Affiliation:
James A. Haley VAMC, Tampa, Florida
ANDRES M. SALAZAR
Affiliation:
Defense and Veterans Head Injury Program, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Rockville, Maryland

Abstract

CVLT and WMS–R Digit Span variables were used to calculate indexes of seven specific short- and long-term memory processes: working memory span and central executive functions, and long-term memory encoding, consolidation, retention, retrieval, control abilities. Scores on these indexes were then cluster-analyzed to determine whether subtypes of memory performance exist that correspond to deficits in these theoretical memory constructs. Parallel analyses were conducted with two large samples (N = 150 and N = 151) of individuals who had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Findings showed that TBI results in subgroups of memory disorders with specific deficits in consolidation, retention, and retrieval processes. Control problems (keeping track of list versus non-list items) only appeared in conjunction with retrieval deficits. Working memory span and central executive functioning (i.e., the ability to manipulate information in working memory) do not appear to be deficits characteristic of TBI as no such clusters emerged in the analyses. By using specific indexes of memory processes, and in contrast to previous studies, patterns of memory dysfunction were found that correspond to deficits in theoretically meaningful memory constructs. (JINS, 2001, 7, 574–585.)

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2001 The International Neuropsychological Society

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