Abnormal Forgetting Rate in Alzheimer's Disease Research

Strategic Insights -

Research has been conducted on Alzheimer's disease, investigating the decline in cognitive functioning. The study focused on subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a condition considered at risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The researchers used the Recency ratio (Rr), a measure of forgetting from the final portion of a word list, to objectify the memory complaints reported by individuals with SCD.

The researchers found that individuals with SCD displayed a significantly higher recency effect in immediate recall compared to healthy controls. In delayed recall, the decline was particularly marked in the SCD group. The study suggested that the Recency ratio may be a useful neuropsychological marker in detecting memory complaints experienced by SCD individuals.

According to the study, the Recency ratio significantly differed between groups, and its inclusion in a model with other measures may increase accuracy in detecting memory complaints. While the Recency ratio alone cannot predict group classification, the study's findings may help identify early neuropsychological markers for AD.

Key Takeaways:

  • A new study on Alzheimer's disease has been conducted, focusing on subjective cognitive decline (SCD).
  • The research used the Recency ratio (Rr), a measure of forgetting, to objectify memory complaints reported by individuals with SCD.
  • Individuals with SCD displayed a significantly higher recency effect in immediate recall compared to healthy controls.
  • The study suggested that the Recency ratio may be a useful neuropsychological marker in detecting memory complaints experienced by SCD individuals.
  • The Recency ratio significantly differed between groups, and its inclusion in a model with other measures may increase accuracy in detecting memory complaints.
  • The study's findings may help identify early neuropsychological markers for AD.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.
  • Additional authors include C. Leonardi, M. S. De Simone, A. Stanzione, M. Rodini, G. Caruso, S. Covino, M. Pugliese, C. Caltagirone, and G. A. Carlesimo.
  • The research was conducted by V. Di Palma and her team at the Neuropsychology of Memory Laboratory, Clinical and Behavioral Neurology Department, IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, in Rome, Italy.

Statistics:

  • The study included 54 SCD individuals and 69 healthy controls.
  • The researchers used the 15-word list Recall Test to assess immediate and delayed recall.
  • The study found a significant group x position interaction (F = 4.47; p = .01) due to a significantly higher ratio value in the recency portion for the SCD group (F = 4.84; p = .03).
  • The Recency ratio significantly differed between groups, with a ratio value of 1.34 in the SCD group compared to 1.02 in the healthy controls.

Sources:

  • V. Di Palma et al., "Abnormal Forgetting Rate from the Recency Portion of a Word-List in Patients with Subjective Cognitive Decline," Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 2025.
  • NewsRx, "Study Results from V. Di Palma and Colleagues Broaden Understanding of Alzheimer Disease (Abnormal Forgetting Rate from the Recency Portion of a Word-List in Patients with Subjective Cognitive Decline)," Clinical Trials Week, October 20, 2025, p. 3225.
  • Oxford Univ Press, Great Clarendon St, Oxford OX2 6DP, England.
  • Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, www.journals.elsevier.com/archives-of-clinical-neuropsychology.
  • Elsevier, www.elsevier.com.