Everyday cognitive function after craniopharyngioma in childhood
Deborah P Waber1, Scott L Pomeroy, Abigail M Chiverton
1Division of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA. deborah.waber@childrens.harvard.edu
Pediatric Neurology
|December 27, 2005
Summary
Patients treated for craniopharyngioma often have everyday memory problems not detected by standard tests. Self-rated cognitive issues in these patients correlate with spatial working memory and somatic concerns.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Craniopharyngioma survivors often report cognitive difficulties.
- Neuropsychological documentation of these complaints is inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess everyday cognitive complaints and neuropsychological performance in craniopharyngioma survivors.
- To determine the prevalence of cognitive problems and their interrelationship.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients treated for craniopharyngioma completed the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test.
- A standard neuropsychological test battery assessed intelligence, achievement, attention, memory, and processing speed.
Main Results:
- Most patients reported significant everyday memory deficits (9/10 on CFQ, 7/10 on RBMT).
- Intelligence, achievement, attention, and verbal memory were generally within normal limits.
- Processing speed was impaired in 5/10 patients.
- Spatial working memory and somatic symptoms predicted self-rated cognitive failures.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents and young adults with treated craniopharyngioma experience everyday cognitive deficits, particularly memory issues, often missed by standard neuropsychological testing.
- Self-reported cognitive problems are linked to spatial working memory capacity and somatic concerns.
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