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Introduction The present study explored the nature of the semantic deterioration normally displayed in the course of Alzheimer's disease. The aim was to disentangle the extent to which semantic memory problems in patients with Alzheimer's disease are best characterized as loss of semantic knowledge rather than difficulties in accessing semantic knowledge.Method A longitudinal approach was applied. The same semantic tests as well as same items were used across three test occasions a year apart. Twelve Alzheimer patients and 20 matched control subjects, out of a total of 25 cases in each group, remained at the final test occasion. Results and ConclusionsAlzheimer patients were impaired in all the semantic tasks as compared to the matched comparison group. A progressing deterioration was evident during the study period. Our findings suggest that semantic impairment is mainly due to loss of information rather than problems in accessing semantic information.

The findings of our study have relevance to patients' well being and how they manage everyday life. An open dialogue on these issues between spouses and in the care for AD patients would hopefully enhance quality of life for all parties involved.

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