101
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Wilde L, Oliver C. Brief Report: Contrasting Profiles of Everyday Executive Functioning in Smith-Magenis Syndrome and Down Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 47:2602-2609. [PMID: 28500573 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Everyday executive function (EF) was examined in Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS), associated with high risk of behaviour disorder, and Down syndrome (DS), associated with relatively low risk of behaviour disorder. Caregivers of 13 children with SMS and 17 with DS rated everyday EF using the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Preschool. Greater everyday EF deficits relative to adaptive ability were evident in SMS than in DS. The SMS profile of everyday EF abilities was relatively uniform; in DS emotional control strengths and working memory weaknesses were evident. Findings implicate broad everyday EF difficulties in SMS compared to DS, corresponding with increased rates of behaviour disorder in SMS. Findings further suggest that everyday EF profiles may, in part, be syndrome related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Wilde
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Chris Oliver
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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102
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Godfrey M, Lee NR. Memory profiles in Down syndrome across development: a review of memory abilities through the lifespan. J Neurodev Disord 2018; 10:5. [PMID: 29378508 PMCID: PMC5789527 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9220-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is associated with a variety of cognitive impairments, notably memory impairments. Due to the high prevalence rates of early-onset dementia associated with DS, it is imperative to understand the comprehensive development of memory impairments beginning in childhood and into adulthood, as this may help researchers identify precursors of dementia at earlier stages of development and pinpoint targets for memory intervention. The current paper provides a systematic, developmentally focused review of the nature of memory difficulties in DS across the lifespan. Specifically, this review summarizes what is known about long-term, short-term, and working memory abilities (distinguishing between verbal and nonverbal modalities) in DS, compared to both mental age-matched typically developing peers and individuals with other forms of intellectual disability (ID) at three developmental stages (i.e., preschool, adolescence, and adulthood). Additionally, this review examines the degree of impairment reported relative to typically developing mental age-matched peers in the existing literature by examining effect size data across memory domains as a function of age. With few exceptions, memory abilities were impaired across the lifespan compared to mental age-matched typically developing peers. Relative to other groups with ID, research findings are mixed. Our review of the literature identified a scarcity of memory studies in early childhood, particularly for STM and WM. In adulthood, research was limited in the LTM and WM domains and very little research has compared memory abilities in older adults with DS to those with typical development. Looking to the future, longitudinal studies could provide a better understanding of the developmental trajectory of memory abilities in DS, and the possible associations between memory abilities and real-world functioning. This research could ultimately inform interventions to improve independence and overall quality of life for those with DS and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Godfrey
- Department of Psychology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Stratton 119, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Nancy Raitano Lee
- Department of Psychology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Stratton 119, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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103
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Foti F, Menghini D, Alfieri P, Costanzo F, Mandolesi L, Petrosini L, Vicari S. Learning by observation and learning by doing in Down and Williams syndromes. Dev Sci 2017; 21:e12642. [PMID: 29280247 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
New skills may be learned by active experience (experiential learning or learning by doing) or by observation of others' experience (learning by observation). In general, learning by observation reduces the time and the attempts needed to learn complex actions and behaviors. The present research aimed to compare learning by observation and learning by doing in two clinical populations with different etiology of intellectual disability (ID), as individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and individuals with Williams syndrome (WS), with the hypothesis that specific profiles of learning may be found in each syndrome. To this end, we used a mixture of new and existing data to compare the performances of 24 individuals with DS, 24 individuals with WS and 24 typically developing children on computerized tasks of learning by observation or learning by doing. The main result was that the two groups with ID exhibited distinct patterns of learning by observation. Thus, individuals with DS were impaired in reproducing the previously observed visuo-motor sequence, while they were as efficient as TD children in the experiential learning task. On the other hand, individuals with WS benefited from the observational training while they were severely impaired in detecting the visuo-motor sequence in the experiential learning task (when presented first). The present findings reinforce the syndrome-specific hypothesis and the view of ID as a variety of conditions in which some cognitive functions are more disrupted than others because of the differences in genetic profile and brain morphology and functionality. These findings have important implications for clinicians, who should take into account the genetic etiology of ID in developing learning programs for treatment and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Foti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Alfieri
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Costanzo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mandolesi
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Motor Science and Wellness, University Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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104
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Angulo-Chavira AQ, García O, Arias-Trejo N. Pupil response and attention skills in Down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 70:40-49. [PMID: 28888155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by attentional problems. Little is known about the neural correlates of attention problems in DS due to difficulties in evaluation. Pupil dilation, associated with an increase in cognitive load and locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system activity in humans, is a neurophysiological measurement that may help to characterize such problems. The aim of this research was to investigate the link between a phasic pupil dilation response and target detection in people with DS, as compared with a control group with typical development (TD) matched by mental age. Participants performed an "oddball" task by means of an eye-tracker and a series of neuropsychological tests. Although the DS and control group demonstrated similar attentional skills and behavioral performance, the participants with DS showed greater pupil dilation. This result suggests that people with DS expend extra cognitive effort to achieve performance similar to those with TD. This finding is discussed in light of the attentional process in DS and the reliability of pupil dilation measurement in the study of attention and other cognitive processes in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Octavio García
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología del Síndrome de Down, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Natalia Arias-Trejo
- Laboratorio de Psicolingüística, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico.
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105
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Daunhauer LA, Gerlach-McDonald B, Will E, Fidler DJ. Performance and Ratings Based Measures of Executive Function in School-Aged Children with Down Syndrome. Dev Neuropsychol 2017; 42:351-368. [DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2017.1360303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Brianne Gerlach-McDonald
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Elizabeth Will
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Deborah J. Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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106
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Loveall SJ, Conners FA, Tungate AS, Hahn LJ, Osso TD. A cross-sectional analysis of executive function in Down syndrome from 2 to 35 years. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2017; 61:877-887. [PMID: 28726285 PMCID: PMC5573132 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has indicated a unique profile of executive function (EF) in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). However, there is a paucity of research on EF in adults with DS. This study aimed to gain a broader understanding of strengths and weaknesses in EF in DS from 2 to 35 years. METHOD Parents of 112 individuals with DS between 2 and 35 years participated in this study. Parents either completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function - for individuals 6+ years - or the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function Preschool Version - for children 2-5 years. RESULTS Results suggest not only overall difficulties but also patterns of strength and weakness within EF for individuals with DS. For the 2 to 5-year-old group, emotional control and shift were relative strengths, planning/organisation and inhibit were intermediate skills, and working memory was a relative weakness. For the 6 to 18-year-old group, emotional control and organisation of materials were relative strengths, inhibit and initiate were intermediate skills, and working memory, monitor, planning/organisation, and shift were relative weaknesses. Most abilities were consistent from 2 to 18 years, except shift, which decreased in preadolescence before beginning to recover in adolescence. Across the full age range (2-35 years), composite scores indicated quadratic trends in inhibit, working memory, and planning/organisation, and a cubic trend in shift, with EF abilities generally declining in middle childhood before recovering in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS This study extends previous research on EF in DS by providing an initial description of EF profiles across the lifespan. More longitudinal and behavioural research is needed to further characterise the development of EF in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Loveall
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - F A Conners
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - A S Tungate
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - L J Hahn
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - T D Osso
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
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107
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Reid D, Moss J, Nelson L, Groves L, Oliver C. Executive functioning in Cornelia de Lange syndrome: domain asynchrony and age-related performance. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:29. [PMID: 28806899 PMCID: PMC5556702 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9208-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine executive functioning in adolescents and adults with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) to identify a syndrome and age-related profile of cognitive impairment. METHODS Participants were 24 individuals with CdLS aged 13-42 years (M = 22; SD = 8.98), and a comparable contrast group of 21 individuals with Down syndrome (DS) aged 15-33 years (M = 24; SD = 5.82). Measures were selected to test verbal and visual fluency, inhibition, perseverance/flexibility, and working memory and comprised both questionnaire and performance tests. RESULTS Individuals with CdLS showed significantly greater impairment on tasks requiring flexibility and inhibition (rule switch) and on forwards span capacity. These impairments were also reported in the parent/carer-rated questionnaire measures. Backwards Digit Span was significantly negatively correlated with chronological age in CdLS, indicating increased deficits with age. This was not identified in individuals with DS. CONCLUSIONS The relative deficits in executive functioning task performance are important in understanding the behavioural phenotype of CdLS. Prospective longitudinal follow-up is required to examine further the changes in executive functioning with age and if these map onto observed changes in behaviour in CdLS. Links with recent research indicating heightened responses to oxidative stress in CdLS may also be important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Reid
- Cerebra Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jo Moss
- Cerebra Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Lisa Nelson
- Cerebra Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Laura Groves
- Cerebra Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Chris Oliver
- Cerebra Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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108
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Lee M, Bush L, Martin GE, Barstein J, Maltman N, Klusek J, Losh M. A Multi-Method Investigation of Pragmatic Development in Individuals With Down Syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 122:289-309. [PMID: 28654411 PMCID: PMC5800500 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-122.4.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined pragmatic language in boys and girls with Down syndrome (DS) at up to three time points, using parent report, standardized and direct assessments. We also explored relationships among theory of mind, executive function, nonverbal mental age, receptive and expressive vocabulary, grammatical complexity, and pragmatic competence. Controlling for cognitive and language abilities, children with DS demonstrated greater difficulty than younger typically developing controls on parent report and standardized assessments, but only girls with DS differed on direct assessments. Further, pragmatic skills of individuals with DS developed at a delayed rate relative to controls. Some sex-specific patterns of pragmatic impairments emerged. Theory of mind and executive function both correlated with pragmatic competence. Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lee
- Michelle Lee and Lauren Bush, Northwestern University; Gary E. Martin, St. John's University; Jamie Barstein and Nell Maltman, Northwestern University; Jessica Klusek, University of South Carolina; and Molly Losh, Northwestern University
| | - Lauren Bush
- Michelle Lee and Lauren Bush, Northwestern University; Gary E. Martin, St. John's University; Jamie Barstein and Nell Maltman, Northwestern University; Jessica Klusek, University of South Carolina; and Molly Losh, Northwestern University
| | - Gary E Martin
- Michelle Lee and Lauren Bush, Northwestern University; Gary E. Martin, St. John's University; Jamie Barstein and Nell Maltman, Northwestern University; Jessica Klusek, University of South Carolina; and Molly Losh, Northwestern University
| | - Jamie Barstein
- Michelle Lee and Lauren Bush, Northwestern University; Gary E. Martin, St. John's University; Jamie Barstein and Nell Maltman, Northwestern University; Jessica Klusek, University of South Carolina; and Molly Losh, Northwestern University
| | - Nell Maltman
- Michelle Lee and Lauren Bush, Northwestern University; Gary E. Martin, St. John's University; Jamie Barstein and Nell Maltman, Northwestern University; Jessica Klusek, University of South Carolina; and Molly Losh, Northwestern University
| | - Jessica Klusek
- Michelle Lee and Lauren Bush, Northwestern University; Gary E. Martin, St. John's University; Jamie Barstein and Nell Maltman, Northwestern University; Jessica Klusek, University of South Carolina; and Molly Losh, Northwestern University
| | - Molly Losh
- Michelle Lee and Lauren Bush, Northwestern University; Gary E. Martin, St. John's University; Jamie Barstein and Nell Maltman, Northwestern University; Jessica Klusek, University of South Carolina; and Molly Losh, Northwestern University
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109
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Repetitive Behaviours and Restricted Interests in Individuals with Down Syndrome-One Way of Managing Their World? Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7060066. [PMID: 28617347 PMCID: PMC5483639 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7060066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper argues that the repetitive behaviour and restrictive interests (RBRI) displayed by individuals with Down syndrome have mostly positive functions. However, as research has developed from interests in Obsessional Compulsive Disorder or Autistic Spectrum Disorder, unfortunately a view has arisen that RBRI in individuals with Down syndrome are also likely to be pathological. This is particularly the case in adults. The paper reviews: (a) measures employed and the perspectives that have been used; (b) the development in typically developing individuals, those with Down syndrome, and those with other conditions associated with intellectual disability; (c) positive and possible negative effects of RBRI; and (d) the need for more research. The conclusion is that, for their level of development, RBRI are helpful for most individuals with Down syndrome.
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110
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Esbensen AJ, Hooper SR, Fidler D, Hartley S, Edgin J, d’Ardhuy XL, Capone G, Conners F, Mervis CB, Abbeduto L, Rafii M, Krinsky-McHale SJ, Urv T. Outcome Measures for Clinical Trials in Down Syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 122:247-281. [PMID: 28452584 PMCID: PMC5424621 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-122.3.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, are being targeted for clinical trials. However, a challenge exists in effectively evaluating the outcomes of these new pharmacological interventions. Few empirically evaluated, psychometrically sound outcome measures appropriate for use in clinical trials with individuals with Down syndrome have been identified. To address this challenge, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assembled leading clinicians and scientists to review existing measures and identify those that currently are appropriate for trials; those that may be appropriate after expansion of age range addition of easier items, and/or downward extension of psychometric norms; and areas where new measures need to be developed. This article focuses on measures in the areas of cognition and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Leonard Abbeduto
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Tiina Urv
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
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111
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Lanfranchi S, Pulina F, Carretti B, Mammarella IC. Training spatial-simultaneous working memory in individuals with Down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 64:118-129. [PMID: 28388504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that the spatial-simultaneous component of working memory (WM), which is involved when stimuli are presented simultaneously, is selectively impaired in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The main objective of the present study was to examine whether WM performance can be enhanced in individuals with DS by analyzing the immediate and maintenance effects of a training program. For this purpose, 61 individuals with DS were randomly assigned to three groups: one trained on simultaneous components of visuospatial WM; one serving as an active control group, that completed activities on vocabulary; and one serving as a passive control group, that only attended the pre- and post-test and follow-up assessments. The efficacy of the training was analyzed in terms of specific (spatial-simultaneous WM tasks), near transfer (spatial-sequential and verbal WM tasks), far transfer (spatial abilities, everyday competences), and maintenance effects (with a follow-up at 1 month). The results showed an overall significant effect on the WM on the group receiving the training. The benefit was generally specific, however, with some transfer to other WM tasks, but only in the immediate (post-test) assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lanfranchi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesca Pulina
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Irene C Mammarella
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Italy
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112
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Sarimski K. [Behaviour problems of children with Down syndrome in preschool-age - Results from the Heidelberg Down syndrome study]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER-UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2017; 46:194-205. [PMID: 28430008 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aims We report on the frequency and the correlations of behaviour problems among children with Down syndrome in preschool-age. Method As part of a longitudinal study 48 mothers of children with Down syndrome completed the German version of the “Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire” (SDQ-D) and the Parenting Stress Inventory (PSI). The mothers were asked to fill out the questionnaires when the children had a mean age of five years. The results were compared to norms from children with typical development. Results Thirty per cent of the children with Down syndrome were rated as abnormal. Specifically, mean scores indicating problems with children of the same age and hyperactivity were elevated. A regression analysis predicting the total problem score of the SDQ-D revealed maternal educational level, optimistic attitude, and subjective parental stress at the age of one year and the degree of behavioural abnormalities at the age of three years as significant influential factors. Conclusion Early intervention for Down syndrome children should include supporting parenting competence and coping skills in order to prevent behaviour problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Sarimski
- 1 Institut für Sonderpädagogik, Pädagogische Hochschule Heidelberg, Heidelberg
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113
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Hronis A, Roberts L, Kneebone II. A review of cognitive impairments in children with intellectual disabilities: Implications for cognitive behaviour therapy. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 56:189-207. [DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Hronis
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology; Graduate School of Health; University of Technology Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - Lynette Roberts
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology; Graduate School of Health; University of Technology Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - Ian I. Kneebone
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology; Graduate School of Health; University of Technology Sydney; New South Wales Australia
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114
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Gimenez R, Marquezi ML, Filho EX, Manoel EDJ. A note on motor skill acquisition in mild and moderate Down syndrome individuals. PSICOLOGIA-REFLEXAO E CRITICA 2017; 30:6. [PMID: 32026040 PMCID: PMC6967325 DOI: 10.1186/s41155-017-0060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the acquisition of a serial motor skill in individuals with Down syndrome with two levels of handicap, mild group (mean age = 14.5 years, SD = 2.3, 7 individuals) and moderate group (mean age = 15.2 years, SD = 3.2, 7 individuals). The task involved single-arm sequential movements to five. The measures to access performance were overall sequence error, reaction time, and total movement time. To evaluate action program, formation variability of sequencing and relative timing variability were considered. Although there was no clear practice effect, the results showed that the level of handicap led to different strategies to plan and control the actions. The moderate group presented a less stable action program expressed in the variability in sequencing and timing. Their longer reaction times also suggest a heavy demand on central processing in accord with the one-target advantage hypothesis and also due to memory deficits to select and plan movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gimenez
- UNICID - Grupo de Estudos sobre o Comportamento Motor e Intervenção Motora, São Paulo, SP - Rua Cesário Galeno, 448, Tatuapé, São Paulo, 03071-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Luis Marquezi
- UNICID - Grupo de Estudos sobre o Comportamento Motor e Intervenção Motora, São Paulo, SP - Rua Cesário Galeno, 448, Tatuapé, São Paulo, 03071-000, Brazil
| | - Ernani Xavier Filho
- UEL - Londrina, PR - Rodovia Celso Garcia - Km 380, s/n, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Edison de J Manoel
- USP - Grupo de Estudo do Desenvolvimento da Ação e Intervenção Motora, São Paulo, SP - Avenida Professor Mello Moraes, 65 - Cidade Universitária, Butantã, São Paulo, 05508-030, Brazil
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115
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Rao PT, Guddattu V, Solomon JM. Response abilities of children with Down Syndrome and other intellectual developmental disorders. Exp Brain Res 2017; 235:1411-1427. [PMID: 28236089 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-017-4889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Efficiency with which a task is performed results from the precise timing and force with which the task is executed. We aimed at assessing the influence of change in task constructs on the response abilities of children who are known to have impaired perceptual motor control. To answer this question, we assessed the response abilities in terms of response time(RT) and response force(RF) among children with Down Syndrome(DS), intellectual developmental disorders(IDD) and those who are typically developing. A response analyzer was used to assess their response abilities across a variety of task constructs namely while performing a simple response task, dual task (i.e. passive and active dual tasks), force modulation task and choice response task. Across all tasks, it was seen that their RT increased while RF decreased as the tasks became more complex in nature. The number of participants in the DS and IDD group diminished as the task complexity increased, reflecting their inherent difficulty in learning new tasks and executing a common expected response under different task conditions. The response abilities of the DS and IDD group was comparable across tasks and varied significantly from the TDC group. The study enables us to understand the influence of task difficulties on the response abilities and participation across groups of children with and without disabilities. The results of the study necessitate the need to evaluate and find methods to train the response abilities of children with DS and IDD, which has considerable implications towards the performance of their daily life skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratiksha Tilak Rao
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University,, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
| | - Vasudeva Guddattu
- Department of Statistics, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - John Michael Solomon
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University,, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
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Roubertoux PL, Baril N, Cau P, Scajola C, Ghata A, Bartoli C, Bourgeois P, Christofaro JD, Tordjman S, Carlier M. Differential Brain, Cognitive and Motor Profiles Associated with Partial Trisomy. Modeling Down Syndrome in Mice. Behav Genet 2017; 47:305-322. [PMID: 28204906 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-017-9835-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesize that the trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) is the additive and interactive outcome of the triple copy of different regions of HSA21. Because of the small number of patients with partial trisomy 21, we addressed the question in the Mouse in which three chromosomal regions located on MMU10, MMU17 and MMU16 carries almost all the HSA21 homologs. Male mice from four segmental trisomic strains covering the D21S17-ETS2 (syntenic to MMU16) were examined with an exhaustive battery of cognitive tests, motor tasks and MRI and compared with TS65Dn that encompasses D21S17-ETS2. None of the four strains gather all the impairments (measured by the effect size) of TS65Dn strain. The 152F7 strain was close to TS65Dn for motor behavior and reference memory and the three other strains 230E8, 141G6 and 285E6 for working memory. Episodic memory was impaired only in strain 285E6. The hippocampus and cerebellum reduced sizes that were seen in all the strains indicate that trisomy 21 is not only a hippocampus syndrome but that it results from abnormal interactions between the two structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre L Roubertoux
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, UMR_S 910, GMGF, TIMONE - 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.
| | - Nathalie Baril
- Department 3C, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Cau
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, UMR_S 910, GMGF, TIMONE - 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Genetics, AP-HM, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France.,Service de Biologie Cellulaire, AP-HM, Hôpital La Timone, 13385, Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Christophe Scajola
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, UMR_S 910, GMGF, TIMONE - 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Adeline Ghata
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, UMR_S 910, GMGF, TIMONE - 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Bartoli
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, UMR_S 910, GMGF, TIMONE - 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Bourgeois
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, UMR_S 910, GMGF, TIMONE - 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Genetics, AP-HM, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France
| | | | - Sylvie Tordjman
- Paris Descartes University, CNRS, LPP, Paris, France.,Rennes 1 University, PHUPEA, Rennes, France
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117
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Will E, Fidler DJ, Daunhauer L, Gerlach-McDonald B. Executive function and academic achievement in primary - grade students with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2017; 61:181-195. [PMID: 27561217 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive function (EF) plays a critical role in academic outcomes in typically developing children, but the contribution of EF to academic performance in Down syndrome (DS) is less well understood. This study evaluated differences in early academic foundations between primary school aged children with DS and non-verbal mental-age matched typically developing (TD) children. Additionally, the contribution of EF domains to academic outcomes was evaluated in each group. METHOD Participants with DS (n = 29) and mental-age matched TD participants (n = 23) were administered the Woodcock Johnson- III NU Tests of Academic Achievement, as well as a laboratory-based EF battery, including measures of working memory, shifting, inhibition and object-planning. RESULTS Findings indicated a difference in early academic foundations profile between children with DS and mental-age matched TD children. Patterns of EF contributions towards academic outcomes were also observed across groups. CONCLUSIONS Aspects of EF are critical to academic achievement in DS but differentially so relative to typical development. Implications for educational instruction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Will
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - D J Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - L Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - B Gerlach-McDonald
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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118
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Valencia-Naranjo N, Robles-Bello MA. Learning potential and cognitive abilities in preschool boys with fragile X and Down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 60:153-161. [PMID: 27984817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancing cognitive abilities is relevant when devising treatment plans. AIMS This study examined the performance of preschool boys with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome in cognitive tasks (e.g., nonverbal reasoning and short-term memory), as well as in improving cognitive functions by means of a learning potential methodology. METHODS AND PROCEDURES The basic scales corresponding to the Skills and Learning Potential Preschool Scale were administered to children with Down syndrome and others with fragile X syndrome, matched for chronological age and nonverbal cognitive development level. RESULTS The fragile X syndrome group showed stronger performance on short-term memory tasks than the Down syndrome group prior to intervention, with no differences recorded in nonverbal reasoning tasks. In addition, both groups' cognitive performance improved significantly between pre- and post-intervention. However, learning potential relative to auditory memory was limited in both groups, and for rule-based categorization in Down syndrome children. CONCLUSION The scale offered the opportunity to assess young children's abilities and identify the degree of cognitive modifiability. Furthermore, factors that may potentially affect the children's performance before and during learning potential assessment are discussed.
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119
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Hamburg S, Startin CM, Strydom A. The relationship between sound-shape matching and cognitive ability in adults with Down syndrome. Multisens Res 2017; 30:537-547. [PMID: 30984556 DOI: 10.1163/22134808-00002579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, is characterised by a pattern of cognitive deficits hypothesised as relating to later developing neural systems. Multisensory integration (MSI) has been shown to benefit cognitive performance on numerous tasks in the typically developing population and is implicated in the early development of various cognitive processes. Given these developmental links of both MSI and DS it is important to determine the relationship between MSI and DS. This study aimed to characterise sound-shape matching performance in young adults with DS as an indicator of MSI (correct response rate around 90% in typically developing individuals). We further investigated the relationship between task performance and estimated cognitive ability (verbal and non-verbal) in addition to everyday adaptive behavior skills. Those answering correctly (72.5%) scored significantly higher across cognitive and adaptive behavior measures compared to those answering incorrectly. Furthermore, 57.1% of individuals with estimated cognitive ability scores below the median value answered correctly compared to 89.5% of individuals scoring above the median, with similar values found for adaptive behavior skills (57.9% vs 94.4%). This preliminary finding suggests sound-shape matching deficits are relatively common in DS but may be restricted to individuals of lower ability as opposed to being a general characteristic of DS. Further studies investigating aspects of MSI across a range of modalities are necessary to fully characterise the nature of MSI in DS and to explore underlying neural correlates and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hamburg
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,LonDownS Consortium
| | - C M Startin
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,LonDownS Consortium
| | - A Strydom
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,LonDownS Consortium
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120
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Camp JS, Karmiloff-Smith A, Thomas MSC, Farran EK. Cross-syndrome comparison of real-world executive functioning and problem solving using a new problem-solving questionnaire. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 59:80-92. [PMID: 27521717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like Williams syndrome and Down syndrome exhibit executive function impairments on experimental tasks (Lanfranchi, Jerman, Dal Pont, Alberti, & Vianello, 2010; Menghini, Addona, Costanzo, & Vicari, 2010), but the way that they use executive functioning for problem solving in everyday life has not hitherto been explored. The study aim is to understand cross-syndrome characteristics of everyday executive functioning and problem solving. METHODS Parents/carers of individuals with Williams syndrome (n=47) or Down syndrome (n=31) of a similar chronological age (m=17 years 4 months and 18 years respectively) as well as those of a group of younger typically developing children (n=34; m=8years 3 months) completed two questionnaires: the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 2000) and a novel Problem-Solving Questionnaire. RESULTS The rated likelihood of reaching a solution in a problem solving situation was lower for both syndromic groups than the typical group, and lower still for the Williams syndrome group than the Down syndrome group. The proportion of group members meeting the criterion for clinical significance on the BRIEF was also highest for the Williams syndrome group. While changing response, avoiding losing focus and maintaining perseverance were important for problem-solving success in all groups, asking for help and avoiding becoming emotional were also important for the Down syndrome and Williams syndrome groups respectively. Keeping possessions in order was a relative strength amongst BRIEF scales for the Down syndrome group. CONCLUSION Results suggest that individuals with Down syndrome tend to use compensatory strategies for problem solving (asking for help and potentially, keeping items well ordered), while for individuals with Williams syndrome, emotional reactions disrupt their problem-solving skills. This paper highlights the importance of identifying syndrome-specific problem-solving strengths and difficulties to improve effective functioning in everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne S Camp
- Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 25 Woburn Square, London WC1 H 0AA, UK; Present address: Department of Psychology, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, RG6 7BE, UK.
| | - Annette Karmiloff-Smith
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Michael S C Thomas
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Emily K Farran
- Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 25 Woburn Square, London WC1 H 0AA, UK
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121
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Will EA, Gerlach-McDonald B, Fidler DJ, Daunhauer LA. Impact of maladaptive behavior on school function in Down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 59:328-337. [PMID: 27668400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at an increased risk for certain maladaptive behaviors. This study characterized maladaptive behavior in school-aged children with DS and examined the extent to which maladaptive behaviors are associated with school function. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Participants were 24 students with DS [mean nonverbal mental age (NVMA)=43.83months; mean chronological age (CA)=77.58months] who completed the Leiter Scales of Performance- Revised (Leiter-R; Roid & Miller, 1997). Their teachers completed the Behavior Assessment Scales for Children Version 2 (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2004), and the School Function Assessment (Coster et al., 1998), measures of maladaptive and adaptive behavior as observed in the school setting. RESULTS Findings reveal a maladaptive behavior profile of elevated areas including Aggression, Attention Problems, and Somatization. When examining the association between maladaptive behavior and school function, multivariate regression results indicated a significant association between Aggression and Compliance, and Attention Problems and Task Completion. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Results underscore the importance of developing training for educators regarding the potential impact of maladaptive behavior on school function for students with Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Will
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1570, United States.
| | - Brianne Gerlach-McDonald
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1570, United States
| | - Deborah J Fidler
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1570, United States
| | - Lisa A Daunhauer
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1570, United States
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122
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Startin CM, Hamburg S, Hithersay R, Davies A, Rodger E, Aggarwal N, Al-Janabi T, Strydom A. The LonDownS adult cognitive assessment to study cognitive abilities and decline in Down syndrome. Wellcome Open Res 2016; 1:11. [PMID: 28018980 PMCID: PMC5176078 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.9961.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Down syndrome (DS), the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, is associated with an ultra-high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is individual variability in the onset of clinical dementia and in baseline cognitive abilities prior to decline, particularly in memory, executive functioning, and motor coordination. The LonDownS Consortium aims to determine risk and protective factors for the development of dementia and factors relating to cognitive abilities in people with DS. Here we describe our cognitive test battery and related informant measures along with reporting data from our baseline cognitive and informant assessments. Methods: We developed a cognitive test battery to assess general abilities, memory, executive function, and motor coordination abilities in adults with DS, with informant ratings of similar domains also collected, designed to allow for data on a broad range of participants. Participants (n=305) had a range of ages and abilities, and included adults with and without a clinical diagnosis of dementia. Results: Results suggest the battery is suitable for the majority of adults with DS, although approximately half the adults with dementia were unable to undertake any cognitive task. Many test outcomes showed a range of scores with low floor and ceiling effects. Non-verbal age-adjusted IQ scores had lower floor effects than verbal IQ scores. Before the onset of any cognitive decline, females aged 16-35 showed better verbal abilities compared to males. We also identified clusters of cognitive test scores within our battery related to visuospatial memory, motor coordination, language abilities, and processing speed / sustained attention. Conclusions: Our further studies will use baseline and longitudinal assessments to explore factors influencing cognitive abilities and cognitive decline related to ageing and onset of dementia in adults with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla M Startin
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,The LonDownS Consortium, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Hamburg
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,The LonDownS Consortium, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rosalyn Hithersay
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,The LonDownS Consortium, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amy Davies
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK
| | - Erin Rodger
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nidhi Aggarwal
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tamara Al-Janabi
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,The LonDownS Consortium, University College London, London, UK
| | - André Strydom
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,The LonDownS Consortium, University College London, London, UK
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123
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Ringenbach SDR, Holzapfel SD, Mulvey GM, Jimenez A, Benson A, Richter M. The effects of assisted cycling therapy (ACT) and voluntary cycling on reaction time and measures of executive function in adolescents with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2016; 60:1073-1085. [PMID: 27018305 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of positive effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in persons with Down syndrome are extremely limited. However, a novel exercise intervention, termed assisted cycling therapy (ACT), has resulted in acutely improved cognitive planning ability and reaction times as well as improved cognitive planning after 8 weeks of ACT in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. Here, we report the effects of 8 weeks of ACT on reaction time, set-shifting, inhibition and language fluency in adolescents with Down syndrome. METHODS Adolescents with Down syndrome (age: ~18 years) were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of ACT (n = 17) or voluntary cycling (VC: n = 16), and a convenience sample (n = 11) was assigned to be an inactive comparison group (NC: n = 11). During ACT, the cycling cadence of the participants was augmented to an average cadence that was 80% faster than the voluntary cadence of the VC group. The increase in cadence was achieved with an electric motor in the stationary bicycle. Reaction time, set-shifting, inhibition and language fluency were assessed before and after 8 weeks of intervention. RESULTS Power output and heart rates of the ACT and VC groups were almost identical, but the ACT cadence was significantly faster. The ACT group, but not the VC or NC groups, showed significantly improved reactions times (Hedges' g = -0.42) and inhibitory control (g = 0.18). Only the VC group showed improved set-shifting ability (g = 0.57). The ACT and VC groups displayed improved semantic language fluency (g = 0.25, g = 0.22, respectively). DISCUSSIONS These and previous results support the hypothesis of increased neuroplasticity and prefrontal cortex function following ACT and, to a smaller extent, following VC. Both ACT and VC appear to be associated with cortical benefits, but based on current and previous results, ACT seems to maximize the benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D R Ringenbach
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - S D Holzapfel
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - G M Mulvey
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - A Jimenez
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - A Benson
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - M Richter
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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124
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Dekker MC, Ziermans TB, Swaab H. The impact of behavioural executive functioning and intelligence on math abilities in children with intellectual disabilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2016; 60:1086-1096. [PMID: 27028315 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the role of behavioural executive functioning (EF) skills and level of intelligence (IQ) on math abilities in children with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities. METHOD Teachers of 63 children attending a school for special education (age: 10 to 13 years; IQ: 50 to 85) filled out a Behaviour Rating Inventory for Executive Function for each student. Furthermore, students took a standardised national composite math test and a specific math test on measurement and time problems. Information on level of intelligence was gathered through school records. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test direct, moderating and mediating effects of EF and IQ on math performance. RESULTS Behavioural problems with working memory and flexibility had a direct negative effect on math outcome, while concurrently, level of intelligence had a positive effect. The effect of IQ on math skills was moderated by problems with inhibition: in children with a clinical level of inhibition problems, there was no effect of level of intelligence on math performance. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that in students with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities and math difficulties, it is important to address their strengths and weaknesses with respect to EF and adjust instruction and remedial intervention accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Dekker
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - T B Ziermans
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - H Swaab
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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125
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Hessl D, Sansone SM, Berry-Kravis E, Riley K, Widaman KF, Abbeduto L, Schneider A, Coleman J, Oaklander D, Rhodes KC, Gershon RC. The NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery for intellectual disabilities: three preliminary studies and future directions. J Neurodev Disord 2016; 8:35. [PMID: 27602170 PMCID: PMC5012003 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-016-9167-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in understanding molecular and synaptic mechanisms of intellectual disabilities (ID) in fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Down syndrome (DS) through animal models have led to targeted controlled trials with pharmacological agents designed to normalize these underlying mechanisms and improve clinical outcomes. However, several human clinical trials have failed to demonstrate efficacy of these targeted treatments to improve surrogate behavioral endpoints. Because the ultimate index of disease modification in these disorders is amelioration of ID, the validation of cognitive measures for tracking treatment response is essential. Here, we present preliminary research to validate the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIH-TCB) for ID. METHODS We completed three pilot studies of patients with FXS (total n = 63; mean age 19.3 ± 8.3 years, mean mental age 5.3 ± 1.6 years), DS (n = 47; mean age 16.1 ± 6.2, mean mental age 5.4 ± 2.0), and idiopathic ID (IID; n = 16; mean age 16.1 ± 5.0, mean mental age 6.6 ± 2.3) measuring processing speed, executive function, episodic memory, word/letter reading, receptive vocabulary, and working memory using the web-based NIH-TB-CB, addressing feasibility, test-retest reliability, construct validity, ecological validity, and syndrome differences and profiles. RESULTS Feasibility was good to excellent (≥80 % of participants with valid scores) for above mental age 4 years for all tests except list sorting (working memory). Test-retest stability was good to excellent, and convergent validity was similar to or better than results obtained from typically developing children in the normal sample for executive function and language measures. Examination of ecological validity revealed moderate to very strong correlations between the NIH-TCB composite and adaptive behavior and full-scale IQ measures. Syndrome/group comparisons demonstrated significant deficits for the FXS and DS groups relative to IID on attention and inhibitory control, a significant reading weakness for FXS, and a receptive vocabulary weakness for DS. CONCLUSIONS The NIH-TCB has potential for assessing important dimensions of cognition in persons with ID, and several tests may be useful for tracking response to intervention. However, more extensive psychometric studies, evaluation of the NIH-TCB's sensitivity to change, both developmentally and in the context of treatment, and perhaps establishing links to brain function in these populations, are required to determine the true utility of the battery as a set of outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hessl
- Translational Psychophysiology and Assessment Laboratory (T-PAL), MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Stephanie M. Sansone
- Translational Psychophysiology and Assessment Laboratory (T-PAL), MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Karen Riley
- Morgridge College of Education, The University of Denver, Denver, CO USA
| | - Keith F. Widaman
- Graduate School of Education, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- Translational Psychophysiology and Assessment Laboratory (T-PAL), MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Andrea Schneider
- Translational Psychophysiology and Assessment Laboratory (T-PAL), MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Jeanine Coleman
- Morgridge College of Education, The University of Denver, Denver, CO USA
| | - Dena Oaklander
- School of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kelly C. Rhodes
- School of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
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Næss KAB, Nygaard E, Ostad J, Dolva AS, Lyster SAH. The profile of social functioning in children with Down syndrome. Disabil Rehabil 2016; 39:1320-1331. [PMID: 27442783 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1194901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practitioners and researchers have asserted for decades that social functioning is a strength in children with Down syndrome (DS). Nevertheless, some studies have concluded that children with DS may be at greater risk of impaired social functioning compared to typically developing controls. This cross-sectional study explores the profile of social functioning (social capabilities and social problems) in six-year-old children with DS, compares it with that of typically developing children and reveals possible differences in predictors between groups. METHOD Parental reports and clinical tests were utilized. RESULTS The children with DS had generally weaker social capabilities compared to nonverbal mental age-matched controls, but no significant differences were found for social interactive play, community functioning and prosocial behaviour. No significant differences in predictors for social capabilities between the groups were found. The children with DS had more social problems than the typically developing controls with a similar chronological age and those with a similar nonverbal mental age, but no significant differences in emotional symptoms were found between the children with DS and either comparison group. Vocabulary was a more important predictor of social problems in the children with DS than in the typically developing control groups. CONCLUSION Interventions for children with DS should strongly focus on integrating vocabulary skills and social functioning starting at an early age. Implications for Rehabilitation Children with Down syndrome need help and support in social functioning. Systematic training to optimize social capabilities and to prevent social problems should be prioritized. Structured and explicit learning of words important for social interaction with peers and for conflict solutions should be emphasized. Integrated interventions focusing on social functioning and vocabulary should begin in preschool to prepare children for participation in mainstream education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari-Anne B Næss
- a Department of Special Needs Education , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Egil Nygaard
- b Department of Psychology , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Johanne Ostad
- c Department of Research and Dissemination , the National Library of Norway , Oslo , Norway
| | - Anne-Stine Dolva
- d Department of Education and Social Work , Lillehammer University College , Lillehammer , Norway
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127
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Holzapfel SD, Ringenbach SDR, Mulvey GM, Sandoval-Menendez AM, Birchfield N, Tahiliani SR. Differential effects of assisted cycling therapy on short-term and working memory of adolescents with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2016.1205592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Startin CM, Rodger E, Fodor-Wynne L, Hamburg S, Strydom A. Developing an Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Abilities in Down Syndrome: The Cognitive Scale for Down Syndrome (CS-DS). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154596. [PMID: 27153191 PMCID: PMC4859552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Abilities relating to executive function, memory and language are particularly affected in DS, although there is a large variability across individuals. People with DS also show an increased risk of developing dementia. While assessment batteries have been developed for adults with DS to assess cognitive abilities, these batteries may not be suitable for those with more severe IDs, dementia, or visual / hearing difficulties. Here we report the development of an informant rated questionnaire, the Cognitive Scale for Down Syndrome (CS-DS), which focuses on everyday abilities relating to executive function, memory and language, and is suitable for assessing these abilities in all adults with DS regardless of cognitive ability. Complete questionnaires were collected about 128 individuals with DS. After final question selection we found high internal consistency scores across the total questionnaire and within the executive function, memory and language domains. CS-DS scores showed a wide range, with minimal floor and ceiling effects. We found high interrater (n = 55) and test retest (n = 36) intraclass correlations. CS-DS scores were significantly lower in those aged 41+ with significant cognitive decline compared to those without decline. Across all adults without cognitive decline, CS-DS scores correlated significantly to measures of general abilities. Exploratory factor analysis suggested five factors within the scale, relating to memory, self-regulation / inhibition, self-direction / initiation, communication, and focussing attention. The CS-DS therefore shows good interrater and test retest reliability, and appears to be a valid and suitable informant rating tool for assessing everyday cognitive abilities in a wide range of individuals with DS. Such a questionnaire may be a useful outcome measure for intervention studies to assess improvements to cognition, in addition to detecting dementia-related cognitive decline. The CS-DS may also be a useful tool for other populations with ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla M. Startin
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The LonDownS Consortium
- * E-mail:
| | - Erin Rodger
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The LonDownS Consortium
| | - Lucy Fodor-Wynne
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The LonDownS Consortium
| | - Sarah Hamburg
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The LonDownS Consortium
| | - André Strydom
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The LonDownS Consortium
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Key-DeLyria SE, Altmann LJP. Executive Function and Ambiguous Sentence Comprehension. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2016; 25:252-267. [PMID: 27214025 DOI: 10.1044/2015_ajslp-14-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sentence comprehension is a critical skill in today's literate society. Recent evidence suggests that processing and comprehending language taps cognitive as well as linguistic abilities, a finding that has critical import for clinicians who have clients with language disorders. To promote awareness of the impact of cognition, especially executive function (EF) and working memory (WM), this opinion article presents current views of how sentences are processed and links the various steps of the process to specific EF and WM subcomponents. METHOD The article focuses on ambiguous sentences, pointing out the similar types of processing needed when resolving an ambiguity and performing EF tasks. RESULTS We discuss the potential overlap between the neurobiology of sentence processing and EF and the evidence supporting a link between EF and sentence processes. CONCLUSION Awareness of the potential role of EF and WM in sentence comprehension will help clinicians be more aware of potential cognitive-linguistic deficits in their clients. Future research will help to clarify the link between EF and sentence comprehension.
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Anderson-Mooney AJ, Schmitt FA, Head E, Lott IT, Heilman KM. Gait dyspraxia as a clinical marker of cognitive decline in Down syndrome: A review of theory and proposed mechanisms. Brain Cogn 2016; 104:48-57. [PMID: 26930369 PMCID: PMC4801771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability in children. With aging, DS is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The development of AD neuropathology in individuals with DS can result in further disturbances in cognition and behavior and may significantly exacerbate caregiver burden. Early detection may allow for appropriate preparation by caregivers. Recent literature suggests that declines in gait may serve as an early marker of AD-related cognitive disorders; however, this relationship has not been examined in individuals with DS. The theory regarding gait dyspraxia and cognitive decline in the general population is reviewed, and potential applications to the population with individuals with DS are highlighted. Challenges and benefits in the line of inquiry are discussed. In particular, it appears that gait declines in aging individuals with DS may be associated with known declines in frontoparietal gray matter, development of AD-related pathology, and white matter losses in tracts critical to motor control. These changes are also potentially related to the cognitive and functional changes often observed during the same chronological period as gait declines in adults with DS. Gait declines may be an early marker of cognitive change, related to the development of underlying AD-related pathology, in individuals with DS. Future investigations in this area may provide insight into the clinical changes associated with development of AD pathology in both the population with DS and the general population, enhancing efforts for optimal patient and caregiver support and propelling investigations regarding safety/quality of life interventions and disease-modifying interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia J Anderson-Mooney
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 740 S. Limestone, Suite B-101, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
| | - Frederick A Schmitt
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Neurology and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, 800 S. Limestone, Room 312, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Head
- University of Kentucky, Department of Molecular & Biomedical Pharmacology and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, 800 S. Limestone, Room 203, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
| | - Ira T Lott
- University of California - Irvine School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Bldg 2 3rd Floor Rt 81, 101 The City Drive, Mail Code: 4482, Orange, CA 92668, United States.
| | - Kenneth M Heilman
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Room L3-100, McKnight Brain Institute, 1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
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131
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A Novel Analog Reasoning Paradigm: New Insights in Intellectually Disabled Patients. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149717. [PMID: 26918704 PMCID: PMC4771701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by deficits in intellectual functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, and learning. As new avenues are emerging for treatment of genetically determined ID (such as Down’s syndrome or Fragile X syndrome), it is necessary to identify objective reliable and sensitive outcome measures for use in clinical trials. Objective We developed a novel visual analogical reasoning paradigm, inspired by the Progressive Raven’s Matrices, but appropriate for Intellectually Disabled patients. This new paradigm assesses reasoning and inhibition abilities in ID patients. Methods We performed behavioural analyses for this task (with a reaction time and error rate analysis, Study 1) in 96 healthy controls (adults and typically developed children older than 4) and 41 genetically determined ID patients (Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome and ARX mutated patients). In order to establish and quantify the cognitive strategies used to solve the task, we also performed an eye-tracking analysis (Study 2). Results Down syndrome, ARX and Fragile X patients were significantly slower and made significantly more errors than chronological age-matched healthy controls. The effect of inhibition on error rate was greater than the matrix complexity effect in ID patients, opposite to findings in adult healthy controls. Interestingly, ID patients were more impaired by inhibition than mental age-matched healthy controls, but not by the matrix complexity. Eye-tracking analysis made it possible to identify the strategy used by the participants to solve the task. Adult healthy controls used a matrix-based strategy, whereas ID patients used a response-based strategy. Furthermore, etiologic-specific reasoning differences were evidenced between ID patients groups. Conclusion We suggest that this paradigm, appropriate for ID patients and developmental populations as well as adult healthy controls, provides an objective and quantitative assessment of visual analogical reasoning and cognitive inhibition, enabling testing for the effect of pharmacological or behavioural intervention in these specific populations.
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Olmos-Serrano JL, Kang HJ, Tyler WA, Silbereis JC, Cheng F, Zhu Y, Pletikos M, Jankovic-Rapan L, Cramer NP, Galdzicki Z, Goodliffe J, Peters A, Sethares C, Delalle I, Golden JA, Haydar TF, Sestan N. Down Syndrome Developmental Brain Transcriptome Reveals Defective Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Myelination. Neuron 2016; 89:1208-1222. [PMID: 26924435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome (DS), is the most common genetic cause of developmental delay and intellectual disability. To gain insight into the underlying molecular and cellular pathogenesis, we conducted a multi-region transcriptome analysis of DS and euploid control brains spanning from mid-fetal development to adulthood. We found genome-wide alterations in the expression of a large number of genes, many of which exhibited temporal and spatial specificity and were associated with distinct biological processes. In particular, we uncovered co-dysregulation of genes associated with oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination that were validated via cross-species comparison to Ts65Dn trisomy mice. Furthermore, we show that hypomyelination present in Ts65Dn mice is in part due to cell-autonomous effects of trisomy on oligodendrocyte differentiation and results in slower neocortical action potential transmission. Together, these results identify defects in white matter development and function in DS, and they provide a transcriptional framework for further investigating DS neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Olmos-Serrano
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hyo Jung Kang
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - William A Tyler
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John C Silbereis
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Feng Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mihovil Pletikos
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lucija Jankovic-Rapan
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nathan P Cramer
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zygmunt Galdzicki
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Goodliffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alan Peters
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Claire Sethares
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivana Delalle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Golden
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tarik F Haydar
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Departments of Genetic and Psychiatry, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Section of Comparative Medicine and Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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133
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Milojevich H, Lukowski A. Recall memory in children with Down syndrome and typically developing peers matched on developmental age. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2016; 60:89-100. [PMID: 26604184 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas research has indicated that children with Down syndrome (DS) imitate demonstrated actions over short delays, it is presently unknown whether children with DS recall information over lengthy delays at levels comparable with typically developing (TD) children matched on developmental age. METHOD In the present research, 10 children with DS and 10 TD children participated in a two-session study to examine basic processes associated with hippocampus-dependent recall memory. At the first session, the researcher demonstrated how to complete a three-step action sequence with novel stimuli; immediate imitation was permitted as an index of encoding. At the second session, recall memory was assessed for previously modelled sequences; children were also presented with two novel three-step control sequences. RESULTS The results indicated that group differences were not apparent in the encoding of the events or the forgetting of information over time. Group differences were also not observed when considering the recall of individual target actions at the 1-month delay, although TD children produced more target actions overall at the second session relative to children with DS. Group differences were found when considering memory for temporal order information, such that TD children evidenced recall relative to novel control sequences, whereas children with DS did not. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that children with DS may have difficulty with mnemonic processes associated with consolidation/storage and/or retrieval processes relative to TD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Milojevich
- Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - A Lukowski
- Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Demily C, Rigard C, Peyroux E, Chesnoy-Servanin G, Morel A, Franck N. «Cognitus & Moi»: A Computer-Based Cognitive Remediation Program for Children with Intellectual Disability. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:10. [PMID: 26869942 PMCID: PMC4737901 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Attentional, visuospatial, and social cognition deficits have a negative impact on children's adaptative and social competences and, as a result, on their ability to achieve a normal functioning and behavior. Until now and despite the frequency of those deficits, there is a lack of children's specific cognitive remediation tools specifically dedicated to attentional and visuospatial areas. The «Cognitus & Moi» program involves a variety of exercises in a paper and/or pencil (n = 30) or a computerized format (n = 29) and a strategy coaching approach. Each module of «Cognitus & Moi» targets a single impaired cognitive area, within the limits of cognitive domains' overlapping. The little cartoon character named Cognitus, who illustrates the program, is supposed to be very friendly and kind toward children. Cognitus will accompany them throughout the program for an effective and positive reinforcement. The main goal of «Cognitus & Moi» is to adjust to children's difficulties in daily life. Moreover, since the cognitive remediation benefit is complex to apply in daily life, the program is based on a metacognitive strategy. After a complete neuropsychological assessment and a psychoeducational session (with the child and the parents), 16 1-h-sessions of cognitive remediation with the therapist are proposed. Each session is composed of three parts: (1) computerized tasks focusing on specific attentional or visuospatial components (20 min). The attentional module targets hearing, visual, and divided attention. A double attention task is also proposed. The visuospatial module targets eye tracking and gaze direction, spatial orientation, visuospatial memory and construction, and mental imagery; (2) pen and paper tasks focusing on the same processes (20 min) and a facial emotion recognition task; (3) a proposal of a home-based task (during 20 min). Weekly, specific attentional and visuospatial home tasks are proposed to the child and analyzed with the parents and the therapist. Indeed, home exercises are useful to promote the transfer of strategies to daily life and their subsequent automation. The heterogeneity of cognitive deficits in intellectual deficiency necessitates an individualized cognitive remediation therapy. In this regard, «Cognitus & Moi» seems to be a promising tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Demily
- GénoPsy, Center for the Diagnosis and Management of Genetic Psychiatric Disorders, CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France; UMR 5229, EDR-Psy, Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, CNRS, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Caroline Rigard
- GénoPsy, Center for the Diagnosis and Management of Genetic Psychiatric Disorders, CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France; UMR 5229, EDR-Psy, Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, CNRS, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Elodie Peyroux
- GénoPsy, Center for the Diagnosis and Management of Genetic Psychiatric Disorders, CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France; UMR 5229, EDR-Psy, Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, CNRS, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Centre référent lyonnais en réhabilitation psychosociale et en remédiation cognitive (CL3R), CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | | | - Aurore Morel
- GénoPsy, Center for the Diagnosis and Management of Genetic Psychiatric Disorders, CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France; UMR 5229, EDR-Psy, Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, CNRS, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Franck
- UMR 5229, EDR-Psy, Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, CNRS, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Centre référent lyonnais en réhabilitation psychosociale et en remédiation cognitive (CL3R), CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France
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135
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Pritchard AE, Kalback S, McCurdy M, Capone GT. Executive functions among youth with Down Syndrome and co-existing neurobehavioural disorders. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2015; 59:1130-41. [PMID: 26369785 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive function (EF) deficits are a recognised component of the cognitive phenotype of youth with Down Syndrome (DS). Recent research in this area emphasises the use of behaviour ratings, such as the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P), to capture the real-world applications of executive functions. To account for the intellectual functioning of youth with DS, this measure is used out of age range; however, its psychometric properties when used in this fashion are unknown. The goals of this study are to evaluate psychometric characteristics of the BRIEF-P among youth with DS and to examine the pattern of EF strengths/weaknesses in children with DS and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. METHOD A total of 188 clinically referred youth with DS, ages 3-13 were rated by their caregivers using the BRIEF-P. These youth were evaluated by a clinician with expertise in DS and were characterised as having no co-occurring behavioural disorder (Typical DS group), co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS + ASD) or co-occurring Disruptive Behaviour Disorder (DS + DBD). RESULTS An exploratory factor analysis of item-level BRIEF-P data from clinically referred youth with DS supported the theoretically derived three-factor structure originally proposed for the BRIEF-P (Emergent Metacognition, Flexibility and Inhibitory Self-Control); however, the item composition of each factor varied somewhat in comparison to the original structure of the measure. Group comparisons indicate that, while youth with typical DS evidence fewer executive function difficulties across all domains, youth with DS + ASD show the greatest weaknesses in Emergent Metacognition, and youth with DS + DBD show significant difficulties in both Emergent Metacognition and Inhibition. CONCLUSIONS These findings offer preliminary support for use of the BRIEF-P with clinically referred youth with Down Syndrome. Some scoring modifications may be necessary if the theoretically derived index scores are to be used with this population. BRIEF-P scores may offer an empirical basis for differentiating DS youth with varying behavioural profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Pritchard
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Neuropsychology, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - S Kalback
- Maine General Medical Center, Edmund Ervin Pediatric Center, Augusta, ME, United States
| | - M McCurdy
- Drexel University, Psychology, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - G T Capone
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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136
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Liogier d'Ardhuy X, Edgin JO, Bouis C, de Sola S, Goeldner C, Kishnani P, Nöldeke J, Rice S, Sacco S, Squassante L, Spiridigliozzi G, Visootsak J, Heller J, Khwaja O. Assessment of Cognitive Scales to Examine Memory, Executive Function and Language in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Implications of a 6-month Observational Study. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:300. [PMID: 26635554 PMCID: PMC4650711 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most commonly identifiable genetic form of intellectual disability. Individuals with DS have considerable deficits in intellectual functioning (i.e., low intellectual quotient, delayed learning and/or impaired language development) and adaptive behavior. Previous pharmacological studies in this population have been limited by a lack of appropriate endpoints that accurately measured change in cognitive and functional abilities. Therefore, the current longitudinal observational study assessed the suitability and reliability of existing cognitive scales to determine which tools would be the most effective in future interventional clinical studies. Subtests of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), and Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Preschool-2 (CELF-P-2), and the Observer Memory Questionnaire-Parent Form (OMQ-PF), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function®-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) and Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised were assessed. The results reported here have contributed to the optimization of trial design and endpoint selection for the Phase 2 study of a new selective negative allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor α5-subtype (Basmisanil), and can be applied to other studies in the DS population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Liogier d'Ardhuy
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience, Roche Innovation Center Basel Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jamie O Edgin
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Charles Bouis
- Research Department, Institut Jérôme Lejeune Paris, France
| | - Susana de Sola
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Research Group, Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute Barcelona, Spain
| | - Celia Goeldner
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience, Roche Innovation Center Basel Basel, Switzerland
| | - Priya Kishnani
- Medical Genetics, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jana Nöldeke
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience, Roche Innovation Center Basel Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sydney Rice
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Silvia Sacco
- Research Department, Institut Jérôme Lejeune Paris, France
| | | | | | - Jeannie Visootsak
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center New York New York, NY, USA
| | - James Heller
- Formerly of Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Omar Khwaja
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel Basel, Switzerland
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137
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Hoyo LD, Xicota L, Sánchez-Benavides G, Cuenca-Royo A, de Sola S, Langohr K, Fagundo AB, Farré M, Dierssen M, de la Torre R. Semantic Verbal Fluency Pattern, Dementia Rating Scores and Adaptive Behavior Correlate With Plasma Aβ42 Concentrations in Down Syndrome Young Adults. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:301. [PMID: 26635555 PMCID: PMC4649024 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is an intellectual disability (ID) disorder in which language and specifically, verbal fluency are strongly impaired domains; nearly all adults show neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including amyloid deposition by their fifth decade of life. In the general population, verbal fluency deficits are considered a strong AD predictor being the semantic verbal fluency task (SVFT) a useful tool for enhancing early diagnostic. However, there is a lack of information about the association between the semantic verbal fluency pattern (SVFP) and the biological amyloidosis markers in DS. In the current study, we used the SVFT in young adults with DS to characterize their SVFP, assessing total generated words, clustering, and switching. We then explored its association with early indicators of dementia, adaptive behavior and amyloidosis biomarkers, using the Dementia Questionnaire for Persons with Intellectual Disability (DMR), the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Second Edition (ABAS-II), and plasma levels of Aβ peptides (Aβ40 and Aβ42), as a potent biomarker of AD. In DS, worse performance in SVFT and poorer communication skills were associated with higher plasma Aβ42 concentrations, a higher DMR score and impaired communication skills (ABAS–II). The total word production and switching ability in SVFT were good indicators of plasma Aβ42 concentration. In conclusion, we propose the SVFT as a good screening test for early detection of dementia and amyloidosis in young adults with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Del Hoyo
- Neurosciences Research Program, Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM-Institut de Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques Barcelona, Spain ; Departamento de farmacología, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Xicota
- Neurosciences Research Program, Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM-Institut de Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques Barcelona, Spain ; Systems Biology Program, Cellular and Systems Neurobiology, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Sánchez-Benavides
- Neurosciences Research Program, Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM-Institut de Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida Cuenca-Royo
- Neurosciences Research Program, Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM-Institut de Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana de Sola
- Neurosciences Research Program, Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM-Institut de Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques Barcelona, Spain ; Systems Biology Program, Cellular and Systems Neurobiology, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona, Spain
| | - Klaus Langohr
- Neurosciences Research Program, Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM-Institut de Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Universitat Politècnica de Barcelona/BarcelonaTech Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana B Fagundo
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III Madrid, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Neurosciences Research Program, Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM-Institut de Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques Barcelona, Spain ; Departamento de farmacología, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Systems Biology Program, Cellular and Systems Neurobiology, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto Salud Carlos III Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Neurosciences Research Program, Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, IMIM-Institut de Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III Madrid, Spain
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Lee NR, Anand P, Will E, Adeyemi EI, Clasen LS, Blumenthal JD, Giedd JN, Daunhauer LA, Fidler DJ, Edgin JO. Everyday executive functions in Down syndrome from early childhood to young adulthood: evidence for both unique and shared characteristics compared to youth with sex chromosome trisomy (XXX and XXY). Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:264. [PMID: 26539087 PMCID: PMC4611056 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive functions (EF) are thought to be impaired in Down syndrome (DS) and sex chromosome trisomy (Klinefelter and Trisomy X syndromes; +1X). However, the syndromic specificity and developmental trajectories associated with EF difficulties in these groups are poorly understood. The current investigation (a) compared everyday EF difficulties in youth with DS, +1X, and typical development (TD); and (b) examined relations between age and EF difficulties in these two groups and a TD control group cross-sectionally. Study 1 investigated the syndromic specificity of EF profiles on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) in DS (n = 30), +1X (n = 30), and a TD group (n = 30), ages 5–18 years. Study 2 examined age effects on EF in the same cross-sectional sample of participants included in Study 1. Study 3 sought to replicate Study 2's findings for DS by examining age-EF relations in a large independent sample of youth with DS (n = 85) and TD (n = 43), ages 4–24 years. Study 1 found evidence for both unique and shared EF impairments for the DS and +1X groups. Most notably, youth with +1X had relatively uniform EF impairments on the BRIEF scales, while the DS group showed an uneven BRIEF profile with relative strengths and weaknesses. Studies 2 and 3 provided support for fairly similar age-EF relations in the DS and TD groups. In contrast, for the +1X group, findings were mixed; 6 BRIEF scales showed similar age-EF relations to the TD group and 2 showed greater EF difficulties at older ages for +1X. These findings will be discussed within the context of efforts to identify syndrome specific cognitive-behavioral profiles for youth with different genetic syndromes in order to inform basic science investigations into the etiology of EF difficulties in these groups and to develop treatment approaches that are tailored to the needs of these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Raitano Lee
- Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; Department of Psychology, Drexel University Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Payal Anand
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Will
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Elizabeth I Adeyemi
- Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Liv S Clasen
- Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Jay N Giedd
- Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Deborah J Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jamie O Edgin
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA
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139
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Costa HM, Purser HRM, Passolunghi MC. Improving working memory abilities in individuals with Down syndrome: a treatment case study. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1331. [PMID: 26441713 PMCID: PMC4564721 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM) skills of individuals with Down's syndrome (DS) tend to be very poor compared to typically developing children of similar mental age. In particular, research has found that in individuals with DS visuo-spatial WM is better preserved than verbal WM. This study investigated whether it is possible to train short-term memory (STM) and WM abilities in individuals with DS. The cases of two teenage children are reported: EH, 17 years and 3 months, and AS, 15 years and 11 months. A school-based treatment targeting visuo-spatial WM was given to EH and AS for six weeks. Both prior to and after the treatment, they completed a set of assessments to measure WM abilities and their performance was compared with younger typically developing non-verbal mental age controls. The results showed that the trained participants improved their performance in some of the trained and non-trained WM tasks proposed, especially with regard to the tasks assessing visuo-spatial WM abilities. These findings are discussed on the basis of their theoretical, educational, and clinical implications.
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140
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Holzapfel SD, Ringenbach SDR, Mulvey GM, Sandoval-Menendez AM, Cook MR, Ganger RO, Bennett K. Improvements in manual dexterity relate to improvements in cognitive planning after assisted cycling therapy (ACT) in adolescents with down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 45-46:261-270. [PMID: 26280691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We have previously reported beneficial effects of acute (i.e., single session) Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) on manual dexterity and cognitive planning ability in adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). In the present study, we report the chronic effects of eight weeks of ACT, voluntary cycling (VC), and no cycling (NC), on the same measures in adolescents with DS. Participants completed 8 weeks of ACT, VC, or NC. Those in the ACT and VC groups completed 30min sessions three times per week on a stationary bicycle. During ACT, the mechanical motor of the bicycle augmented the cadence to a rate which was on average 79% faster than the voluntary cadence. During VC, the participants pedaled at a self-selected rate. Unimanual dexterity scores as measured with the Purdue Pegboard test (PPT) improved significantly more for the ACT and VC groups compared to the NC group. ACT lead to greater improvements than VC and NC in the assembly sub-test, which is a task that requires more advanced temporal and spatial processing. The ACT group improved significantly more than the VC group and non-significantly more than the NC group in cognitive planning ability as measured by the Tower of London test (ToL). There were also significant correlations between the assembly subtest of the PPT and all measures of the ToL. These correlations were stronger during post-testing than pre-testing. Pre-post changes in the combined PPT score and ToL number of correct moves correlated positively in the ACT group. These results support the efficacy of the salutary effects of ACT on global fine motor function and executive function in DS. Additionally, the performance on complex bimanual dexterity tasks appears to be related to the capacity of cognitive planning ability. This research has important implications for persons with movement deficits that affect activities of daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D Holzapfel
- Arizona State University, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 425N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
| | - Shannon D R Ringenbach
- Arizona State University, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 425N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
| | - Genna M Mulvey
- Arizona State University, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 425N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
| | - Amber M Sandoval-Menendez
- Arizona State University, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 425N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
| | - Megan R Cook
- Arizona State University, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 425N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
| | - Rachel O Ganger
- Arizona State University, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 425N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
| | - Kristen Bennett
- Arizona State University, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 425N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
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141
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Lanfranchi S, Aventaggiato F, Jerman O, Vianello R. Numerical skills in children with Down syndrome. Can they be improved? RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 45-46:129-135. [PMID: 26233764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to explore the impact of a numerical skills training program on the basic mathematical skills and logical thinking in children with Down syndrome (DS). The training program was built specifically for children with DS, bearing the strengths and weaknesses of their particular cognitive profile in mind. Two groups of children with DS took part in the study. All children were tested before and after the training on measures of numerical skills and logical thinking. One group of 27 children was trained in numerical skills twice a week for 2 months, for about 30min per session. A control group of 9 children was not involved in any training session. After training, children in the intervention group performed better in numerical tests, while those in the control group did not. These results suggest that our training program is both feasible and effective for children with Down syndrome.
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142
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Edgin JO, Clark CAC, Massand E, Karmiloff-Smith A. Building an adaptive brain across development: targets for neurorehabilitation must begin in infancy. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:232. [PMID: 26441566 PMCID: PMC4565977 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Much progress has been made toward behavioral and pharmacological intervention in intellectual disability, which was once thought too difficult to treat. Down syndrome (DS) research has shown rapid advances, and clinical trials are currently underway, with more on the horizon. Here, we review the literature on the emergent profile of cognitive development in DS, emphasizing that treatment approaches must consider how some "end state" impairments, such as language deficits, may develop from early alterations in neural systems beginning in infancy. Specifically, we highlight evidence suggesting that there are pre- and early postnatal alterations in brain structure and function in DS, resulting in disturbed network function across development. We stress that these early alterations are likely amplified by Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression and poor sleep. Focusing on three network hubs (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum), we discuss how these regions may relate to evolving deficits in cognitive function in individuals with DS, and to their language profile in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie O. Edgin
- Department of Psychology, University of ArizonaTucson, AZ, USA
- Sonoran University Center for Excellence in Developmental DisabilitiesTucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Esha Massand
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of LondonLondon, UK
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143
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Schott N, Holfelder B. Relationship between motor skill competency and executive function in children with Down's syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2015; 59:860-872. [PMID: 25688672 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that children with Down's syndrome (DS), a genetically based neurodevelopmental disorder, demonstrate motor problems and cognitive deficits. The first aim of this study was to examine motor skills and executive functions (EFs) in school-age children with DS. The second aim was to investigate the relationship between these two performance domains. METHODS The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), the Movement Assessment Battery Children-2 checklist (MABC2-checklist) and the Trail-Making Test for young children (Trails-P) were used to assess motor and cognitive performances of 18 children (11 boys, 7 girls) with DS aged between 7 and 11 years (9.06 ± 0.96) and an age- and sex-matched sample of 18 typically developing (TD) children (11 boys, 7 girls; 8.99 ± 0.93). RESULTS Individuals with DS showed the expected difficulties in attentional control, response suppression and distraction, as well as in locomotor and object control skills, as indicated by poorer performance than TD individuals. Motor performance (bottom-up as well as top-down measures) and EF correlated positively, with regard to the group with DS only though. In the most complex task (distraction), the children of the DS group achieving lower locomotor scores showed lower efficacy scores on the Trails-P. Additionally, strong relationships were found for the perspective of teachers on all sections of the MABC2-Checklist and EF. CONCLUSION The findings from this study suggest that children with DS are not only impaired in higher-order EF, but showing also deficits in locomotor and object control skills. This study stresses the importance of early interventions facilitating cognitive abilities and motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Schott
- Department of Sport & Exercise Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - B Holfelder
- Department of Sport & Exercise Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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144
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Trends in Toilet Training and Voiding Habits among Children with Down Syndrome. J Urol 2015; 194:783-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2015.03.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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145
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Pulina F, Carretti B, Lanfranchi S, Mammarella IC. Improving spatial-simultaneous working memory in Down syndrome: effect of a training program led by parents instead of an expert. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1265. [PMID: 26379590 PMCID: PMC4547001 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that the visuospatial component of working memory (WM) is selectively impaired in individuals with Down syndrome (DS), the deficit relating specifically to the spatial-simultaneous component, which is involved when stimuli are presented simultaneously. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of a computer-based program for training the spatial-simultaneous component of WM in terms of: specific effects (on spatial-simultaneous WM tasks); near and far transfer effects (on spatial-sequential and visuospatial abilities, and everyday memory tasks); and maintenance effects (1 month after the training). A comparison was drawn between the results obtained when the training was led by parents at home as opposed to an expert in psychology. Thirty-nine children and adolescents with DS were allocated to one of two groups: the training was administered by an expert in one, and by appropriately instructed parents in the other. The training was administered individually twice a week for a month, in eight sessions lasting approximately 30 min each. Our participants' performance improved after the training, and these results were maintained a month later in both groups. Overall, our findings suggest that spatial-simultaneous WM performance can be improved, obtaining specific and transfer gains; above all, it seems that, with adequate support, parents could effectively administer a WM training to their child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pulina
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Carretti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Lanfranchi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padova, Italy
| | - Irene C Mammarella
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova Padova, Italy
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146
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Heyman M, Hauser-Cram P. Negative life events predict performance on an executive function task in young adults with developmental disabilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2015; 59:746-754. [PMID: 25559271 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research with typically developing children indicates that chronic stress can be detrimental to the development of executive function. This study extends this work to individuals with developmental disabilities and examines the longitudinal relationship between an indicator of chronic stress, negative life events, and performance on a task of executive function within a group of 30 individuals with early identified developmental disabilities. METHODS Multilevel modelling was used to analyse the relationship between cumulative negative life events and response time on a Flanker task. RESULTS As hypothesized, individuals who had experienced more cumulative negative life events in their families demonstrated longer response time, an indicator of less efficient executive function. CONCLUSIONS The association between cumulative negative life events and executive function for children with developmental disabilities suggests the prominent role of the environment for development in this domain. These findings also suggest the importance of providing services, resources, and interventions that will help families adaptively cope with stressful circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Heyman
- Lynch School, Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - P Hauser-Cram
- Lynch School of Education, Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
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147
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Chen CCJJ, Ringenbach SDR, Crews D, Kulinna PH, Amazeen EL. The association between a single bout of moderate physical activity and executive function in young adults with Down syndrome: a preliminary study. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2015; 59:589-598. [PMID: 25171600 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was aimed at investigating the impact of a single exercise intervention on executive function in young adults with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS Considering the relations among executive function, physical and mental health and early onset of Alzheimer's disease in this population, we tested three components of executive function (e.g. choice-response time, attention shifting and inhibition) that have been shown to be impaired in previous studies. Ten persons with DS were assigned to an exercise group, who walked on a treadmill for 20 min at moderate intensity and ten additional persons with DS were assigned to an attentional control group, who watched a video. Measures of executive function were tested pre and post interventions. RESULTS These results showed non-significant improvements in choice-response time (P = 0.32) and attention shifting (P = 0.13) but a statistically significant improvement in inhibition (P = 0.03) after the exercise intervention. CONCLUSIONS Given the improved inhibition ability, exercise may be an effective intervention, even in a signal session. However, only a few studies have focused on this topic. Based on theoretical models linking exercise to executive function, we proposed that exercise may increase arousal status or enhance neural transmission. Hence, future work is needed to examine the exact mechanism in the relationship between exercise and executive function for individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-C J J Chen
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - S D R Ringenbach
- Exercise Science and Health Promotion Program, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - D Crews
- Exercise Science and Health Promotion Program, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - P H Kulinna
- Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Physical Education, Arizona State University, Polytechnic campus, Mesa, AZ, USA
| | - Eric L Amazeen
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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148
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de Sola S, de la Torre R, Sánchez-Benavides G, Benejam B, Cuenca-Royo A, del Hoyo L, Rodríguez J, Catuara-Solarz S, Sanchez-Gutierrez J, Dueñas-Espin I, Hernandez G, Peña-Casanova J, Langohr K, Videla S, Blehaut H, Farre M, Dierssen M. A new cognitive evaluation battery for Down syndrome and its relevance for clinical trials. Front Psychol 2015; 6:708. [PMID: 26089807 PMCID: PMC4455308 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent prospect of pharmaceutical interventions for cognitive impairment of Down syndrome (DS) has boosted a number of clinical trials in this population. However, running the trials has raised some methodological challenges and questioned the prevailing methodology used to evaluate cognitive functioning of DS individuals. This is usually achieved by comparing DS individuals to matched healthy controls of the same mental age. We propose a new tool, the TESDAD Battery that uses comparison with age-matched typically developed adults. This is an advantageous method for probing the clinical efficacy of DS therapies, allowing the interpretation and prediction of functional outcomes in clinical trials. In our DS population the TESDAD battery permitted a quantitative assessment of cognitive defects, which indicated language dysfunction and deficits in executive function, as the most important contributors to other cognitive and adaptive behavior outcomes as predictors of functional change in DS. Concretely, auditory comprehension and functional academics showed the highest potential as end-point measures of therapeutic intervention for clinical trials: the former as a cognitive key target for therapeutic intervention, and the latter as a primary functional outcome measure of clinical efficacy. Our results also emphasize the need to explore the modulating effects of IQ, gender and age on cognitive enhancing treatments. Noticeably, women performed significantly better than men of the same age and IQ in most cognitive tests, with the most consistent differences occurring in memory and executive functioning and negative trends rarely emerged on quality of life linked to the effect of age after adjusting for IQ and gender. In sum, the TESDAD battery is a useful neurocognitive tool for probing the clinical efficacy of experimental therapies in interventional studies in the DS population suggesting that age-matched controls are advantageous for determining normalization of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana de Sola
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Research Group, Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic RegulationBarcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN)Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Sánchez-Benavides
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- Neurofunctionality of Brain and Language Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
| | | | - Aida Cuenca-Royo
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- Drug Abuse Epidemiology Research Group-Epidemiology and Public Health Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
| | - Laura del Hoyo
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Rodríguez
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
| | - Silvina Catuara-Solarz
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Research Group, Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic RegulationBarcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ivan Dueñas-Espin
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelona, Spain
| | - Gimena Hernandez
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autónoma de BarcelonaUDIMAS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Peña-Casanova
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- Neurofunctionality of Brain and Language Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
| | - Klaus Langohr
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Universitat Politècnica de CatalunyaBarcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Magi Farre
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group-Neurosciences Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research InstituteBarcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, i Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP)Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Research Group, Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic RegulationBarcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre on Rare Diseases (CIBERER)Valencia, Barcelona, Spain
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149
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Grieco J, Pulsifer M, Seligsohn K, Skotko B, Schwartz A. Down syndrome: Cognitive and behavioral functioning across the lifespan. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2015; 169:135-49. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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150
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Lanfranchi S, De Mori L, Mammarella IC, Carretti B, Vianello R. Spatial-sequential and spatial-simultaneous working memory in individuals with Williams syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 120:193-202. [PMID: 25928432 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-120.3.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare visuospatial working memory performance in 18 individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) and 18 typically developing (TD) children matched for nonverbal mental age. Two aspects were considered: task presentation format (i.e., spatial-sequential or spatial-simultaneous), and level of attentional control (i.e., passive or active tasks). Our results showed that individuals with WS performed less well than TD children in passive spatial-simultaneous tasks, but not in passive spatial-sequential tasks. The former's performance was also worse in both active tasks. These findings suggest an impairment in the spatial-simultaneous working memory of individuals with WS, together with a more generalized difficulty in tasks requiring information storage and concurrent processing, as seen in other etiologies of intellectual disability.
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