Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2001):

Age-related working memory impairments in children with prefrontal dysfunction associated with phenylketonuria.

Full Abstract

The prefrontal cortex of the brain has been shown to play a crucial role in working memory, and age-related changes in prefrontal function may contribute to the improvements in working memory that are observed during childhood. We examined the developmental trajectory of working memory in school-age children with early-treated phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder that results in prefrontal dysfunction. Using a recognition procedure, we evaluated working memory for letters, abstract objects, and spatial locations in 20 children with PKU and 20 typically developing control children. Children in both groups ranged from 6 to 17 years of age. Our findings revealed poorer performance across all three types of materials for children with PKU. In addition, there was a significant difference in the developmental trajectory of working memory for children with PKU as compared with controls. Specifically, deficits were not apparent in younger children with PKU. Instead, deficits were observed only in older children, suggesting the presence of a developmental deficit rather than a developmental delay in the working memory of children with PKU.

Author information

Author/s: White, Desirée A (DA); Nortz, Marsha J (MJ); Mandernach, Tammy (T); Huntington, Kathleen (K); Steiner, Robert D (RD);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. dawhite(-atsign-)artsci.wustl.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS (J Int Neuropsychol Soc), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jan; vol 8 (issue 1) : pp 1-11

Dates: Created 2002/02/14; Completed 2002/03/06; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 11843066, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adolescent Age Factors Analysis of Variance Case-Control Studies Child Cognition Developmental Disabilities - metabolism Female

Female Humans Male Memory, Short-Term Neuropsychological Tests Phenylalanine - blood Phenylketonurias - blood; diet therapy; psychology Prefrontal Cortex - metabolism

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Phenylalanine (63-91-2)

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