(2) Auditory-verbal comprehension: Word recognition vs. comp/ pure word deafness

Question 1

Word recognition vs comprehension

Answer 1

1. word recognition and comprehension are separate and dissociable processes
2. recognition is perceptual
3. comprehension involves retrieval of semantic memory
4. mediated by different adjacent left temporal / parietal cortical areas

Question 2

Pure word deafness is that

Answer 2

inability to recognize spoken words with no impairment of hearing or understanding word meaning: - can understand words perceived by lip reading and reading

• can write
• can recognize non-speech sounds like dog bark, car horn

Question 3

Pure word deafness: is speech intact?

Answer 3

YES, you dummy

Question 4

What is pure word deafness caused by?

Answer 4

• focal damage to Wernicke’s area i.e. L posterior superior temporal gyrus
• disruption of input into Wernicke’s
  a. white matter lesion
  b. bilateral damage to primary auditory cortex

Question 5

What do PET studies show?

Answer 5

Activation of superior L temporal for perception of words and speech sounds.

Question 6

Commonality in deficits in speech comprehension…

Answer 6

• Series of pts with “deficits in speech comprehension” had overlapping lesions in same area
• However, neither 4 nor 5 is in Wernicke’s area

Question 7

L superior temporal processes

Answer 7

Rapidly changing sounds involved in word discrimination

- i.e. requiring fine grain analysis in time

Question 8

R superior temporal process

Answer 8

More slowly changing qualities of melody and intonation convey emotion and emphasis

Question 9

The key is that Wernicke’s areas processes…

Answer 9

Rapidly changing sounds and speech happens to be the most prominent example of this