Episodic Learning and Memory in Prodromal Huntington’s Disease: The Role of Multimodal Encoding and Selective Reminding

Abstract

This study investigated episodic memory in prodromal HD. Three groups were compared (N = 70): mutation carriers with less than 12.5 years to disease onset (n = 16), mutation carriers with 12.5 or more years to disease onset (n = 16), and noncarriers (n = 38). Episodic memory was assessed using the Fuld Object Memory Evaluation, which included multimodal presentation and selective reminding, and the Claeson-Dahl Learning Test which included verbal repeated presentation and recall trials. Both carrier groups demonstrated deficient episodic memory compared to noncarriers. The results suggest deficient episodic memory in prodromal HD, and that inconsistent retrieval contributes to these deficits. Multimodal presentation attenuates the deficits.