Syntagmatic-paradigmatic reversal in Alzheimer-type dementia.

Language function, among individuals with probable Alzheimer's disease, declines over the course of dementia. Researchers have proposed that much of this decline is 'first-in: last-out.' Thus, one might expect regression to a previous level of language function-as among bilinguals who regress to their first language. General regression from paradigmatic to syntagmatic associations may also occur. In the current study, eighteen individuals with probable Alzheimer's disease generated names for pictures, categorized pictures, and responded with associations to pictures. Evidence of syntagmatic-paradigmatic reversal was documented, with low-functioning participants generating fewer paradigmatic responses than high-functioning participants did. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]