Auditory Serial Position Effect in the Oral Discourse of Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Analytical Study

• Grant number: 25/16099-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Karin Zazo Ortiz
• Grantee: Ana Luiza Borovina de Araujo
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a clinical condition characterized by subjective memory complaints and discrete objective cognitive changes that do not significantly impair an individual's daily functioning. It is considered a possible intermediate stage between healthy aging and dementia. Early detection of MCI is essential for effective interventions and proper clinical follow-up. Language, due to its strong relationship with cognitive functions such as memory and attention, has proven to be a valuable tool for identifying subtle changes in this context. This project aims to investigate the performance of individuals with MCI in an oral story retelling task. The standardized instrument Story Retell Procedure - Brazilian version (SRP-BP) will be used. The analysis will focus on the number of Information Units (IUs) and propositions recalled, as well as their distribution throughout the retelling. The main focus is on examining the Serial Position Effect (SPE), which refers to the tendency to better remember items at the beginning (primacy) or end (recency) of a sequence. The sample will consist of 30 individuals diagnosed with MCI and 30 healthy control elderly, matched by age and education. It is expected that MCI participants will recall fewer IUs and propositions, in addition to showing atypical patterns in the SPE. The findings may contribute to the development of more sensitive assessment strategies. These tools could support early diagnosis of cognitive changes in older adults. The study seeks to enhance clinical practice with accessible and effective instruments.