Episodic memory in progressive supranuclear palsy: a neuropsychological and neuroimaging study

Background Episodic memory impairment may occur in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). However, it remains uncertain whether this is due to executive dysfunction or to the involvement of brain areas responsible for memory. Objectives To investigate the specific brain regions underlying episodic memory impairment in PSP. Methods Twenty-one patients with PSP and 20 healthy controls underwent the Figure Memory Test (FMT) from the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery and brain MRI. We explored correlations between gray matter volumes and memory scores in PSP patients, adjusting for age and performance on the Frontal Assessment Battery. Results PSP patients performed worse than controls (p < 0.001) on delayed recall in the FMT. Delayed recall scores correlated to bilateral hippocampal and parahippocampal volumes in PSP patients. Conclusions Medial temporal structures may play a role in episodic memory impairment in PSP, suggesting that amnesia in PSP is not solely due to executive dysfunction.