IS IMPLICIT MEMORY PRESERVED IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE - IMPLICATIONS FORTHEORIES OF IMPLICIT MEMORY

Theories of implicit memory were formulated largely on data from tempo ral lobe amnesics. This review examines the generalizability of those findings and theories to individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Althoug h these groups have similar explicit memory impairments, their perform ance on implicit memory tests differs in systematic and theoretically meaningful ways. Whereas amnesics show preserved implicit memory acros s a variety of tasks, individuals with probable Alzheimer's disease ge nerally show preserved implicit learning and perceptual priming, but i mpaired conceptual priming. Findings are discussed in partial support of a transfer-appropriate processing view, and suggestions are made fo r future research.