Prospective, declarative, and nondeclarative memory in young adults with spina bifida

Abstract

The consequences of congenital brain disorders for adult cognitive function are poorly understood. We studied different forms of memory in 29 young adults with spina bifida meningomyelocele (SBM), a common and severely disabling neural tube defect. Nondeclarative and semantic memory functions were intact. Working memory was intact with low maintenance and manipulation requirements, but impaired on tasks demanding high information maintenance or manipulation load. Prospective memory for intentions to be executed in the future was impaired. Immediate and delayed episodic memory were poor. Memory deficits were exacerbated by an increased number of lifetime shunt revisions, a marker for unstable hydrocephalus. Memory status was positively correlated with functional independence, an important component of quality of life.

Full Issue October 2016

“…This is in line with earlier studies in which children with spina bifida have lower scores on visual perception, language comprehension, attention, processing and memory tasks compared to their peers (Dennis & Barnes, 2010;Dennis et al, 2007;Rose & Holmbeck, 2007). Hampton et al (2011) found differences of 13 to 20 points in IQ scores in children with spina bifida.…”

“…They are at risk for difficulties in attention (not sustained attention or ADHD) (Fletcher et al 2005;Rose & Holmbeck, 2007), short-term memory, prospective memory, immediate and delayed episodic memory (Dennis et al, 2007), nonverbal learning disabilities, language comprehension and V discourse (Pike et al, 2013), and approximate and standardized arithmetic measures (Raghubar et al, 2015). Children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus have lower cognitive function scores compared to children with spina bifida alone (Iddon et al, 2004).…”

“…The neuropsychological profile of persons with hydrocephalus is one of relative impairment, whether or not spina bifida is present. Shunt infections, revisions, and a history of seizures predict poorer memory (Dennis et al, 2007), meta-cognitive abilities, executive functioning (Tarazi, Zabel, & Mahone, 2008), and cognitive health (Kulkarni et al, 2004). In a comparative study Hampton et al (2011) found higher neurocognitive scores in children with spina bifida without hydrocephalus compared to children with SB and hydrocephalus.…”

Cognitive Abilities of Pre- and Primary School Children with Spina Bifida in Uganda

“…They are at risk for difficulties in attention (not sustained attention or ADHD) (Fletcher et al 2005;Rose & Holmbeck, 2007), short-term memory, prospective memory, immediate and delayed episodic memory (Dennis et al, 2007), nonverbal learning disabilities, language comprehension and V discourse (Pike et al, 2013), and approximate and standardized arithmetic measures (Raghubar et al, 2015). Children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus have lower cognitive function scores compared to children with spina bifida alone (Iddon et al, 2004).…”

“…The neuropsychological profile of persons with hydrocephalus is one of relative impairment, whether or not spina bifida is present. Shunt infections, revisions, and a history of seizures predict poorer memory (Dennis et al, 2007), meta-cognitive abilities, executive functioning (Tarazi, Zabel, & Mahone, 2008), and cognitive health (Kulkarni et al, 2004). In a comparative study Hampton et al (2011) found higher neurocognitive scores in children with spina bifida without hydrocephalus compared to children with SB and hydrocephalus.…”