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Mapping the neural systems that mediate the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 February 2004

ALAN H. LOCKWOOD ,
RICHARD T. LINN ,
HERMAN SZYMANSKI ,
MARY LOU COAD  and
DAVID S. WACK
ALAN H. LOCKWOOD
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, State University of New York, University at Buffalo Center for PET, Department of Nuclear Medicine, State University of New York, University at Buffalo Center for PET, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
RICHARD T. LINN
Affiliation:
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State University of New York, University at Buffalo Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York, University at Buffalo
HERMAN SZYMANSKI
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York, University at Buffalo
MARY LOU COAD
Affiliation:
Center for PET, Department of Nuclear Medicine, State University of New York, University at Buffalo
DAVID S. WACK
Affiliation:
Center for PET, Department of Nuclear Medicine, State University of New York, University at Buffalo
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Abstract

The paced auditory serial addition task (PASAT), in which subjects hear a number-string and add the two most-recently heard numbers, is a neuropsychological test sensitive to cerebral dysfunction. We mapped the brain regions activated by the PASAT using positron emission tomography (PET) and 15O-water to measure cerebral blood flow. We parsed the PASAT by mapping sites activated by immediate repetition of numbers and by repetition of the prior number after the presentation of the next number in the series. The PASAT activated dispersed non-contiguous foci in the superior temporal gyri, bifrontal and biparietal sites, the anterior cingulate and bilateral cerebellar sites. These sites are consistent with the elements of the task that include auditory perception and processing, speech production, working memory, and attention. Sites mediating addition were not identified. The extent of the sites activated during the performance of the PASAT accounts for the sensitivity of this test and justifies its use in a variety of seemingly disparate conditions. (JINS, 2004, 10, 26–34.)

Keywords

TomographyPASATNeuropsychological testsBrain mappingPET
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 10 , Issue 1 , January 2004 , pp. 26 - 34
Copyright
© 2004 The International Neuropsychological Society

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