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Right hemisphere contribution to developmental language disorder: Neuroanatomical and behavioral evidence
E Plante1, C Boliek, N Mahendra
1Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson 85721-0071, USA. eplante@u.arizona.edu
Journal of Communication Disorders
|September 22, 2001
Summary
Developmental language disorder (DLD) involves both verbal and nonverbal challenges. Research suggests the right hemisphere plays a key role in these nonverbal deficits observed in DLD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Developmental language disorder (DLD) is characterized by verbal deficits.
- Nonverbal deficits are also frequently observed in individuals with DLD.
- The underlying neurobiological basis for co-occurring verbal and nonverbal deficits in DLD remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the brain-based underpinnings of both verbal and nonverbal deficits in DLD.
- To explore the potential contribution of right hemisphere regions to the DLD profile.
- To examine the relationship between brain structure and behavioral performance in DLD.
Main Methods:
- Two independent adult samples with DLD and control groups were assessed on verbal and nonverbal skills.
- Structural MRI scans were acquired for all participants.
- Gray matter volume in specific brain regions was correlated with behavioral task performance.
Main Results:
- Replicable differences in both verbal and nonverbal task performance were observed between individuals with DLD and controls.
- A significant association was found between performance on facial affect and spatial rotation tasks and right supramarginal gyrus gray matter volume.
- These findings were consistent across both exploratory and confirmatory samples.
Conclusions:
- The results support a significant role for the right hemisphere, specifically the supramarginal gyrus, in the nonverbal aspects of DLD.
- This study provides neuroanatomical evidence for a broader cognitive profile associated with DLD beyond language impairments.
- Understanding the right hemisphere's contribution may inform more comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for DLD.
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