Memorial familiarity remains intact for pictures but not for words in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

► We investigated the picture superiority effect in patients with aMCI and controls. ► We utilized ROC curves to obtain estimates of recollection and familiarity. ► Recollection is impaired for pictures and words in patients with aMCI. ► Familiarity remains intact for pictures but not for words in patients with aMCI.