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Short-term memory in children with sickle cell disease: executive versus modality-specific processing deficits
Jeffrey Schatz1, Carla W Roberts
1Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. schatz@sc.edu
Summary
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) may experience specific short-term memory deficits, particularly in auditory processing. This impacts backward digit span tasks, suggesting modality-specific challenges in cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Pediatric Health
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with cognitive deficits in children.
- Previous research indicates impairments in memory span and working memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate short-term memory span and working memory in children with SCD.
- To identify specific cognitive deficits and their potential underlying causes.
Main Methods:
- Compared 25 children with SCD to 25 demographically matched controls.
- Utilized digit span, spatial span, and self-ordered pointing tests.
- Administered additional cognitive tests to assess auditory processing.
Main Results:
- Children with SCD demonstrated significant difficulties only in backward digit span performance.
- Auditory processing deficits were identified as a factor related to backward digit span performance.
- Findings suggest modality-specific short-term memory deficits in children with SCD.
Conclusions:
- Modality-specific deficits, particularly in auditory processing, contribute to short-term memory span issues in children with SCD.
- The exact cause remains unclear but may involve central and peripheral auditory processing.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology of these auditory processing deficits.