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Impaired executive functioning in young adults born very preterm

Chiara Nosarti1, Elena Giouroukou, Nadia Micali

  • 1Division of Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry, Section of General Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Kings College London, London, United Kingdom. c.nosarti@iop.kcl.ac.uk

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|May 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Young adults born very preterm (VPT) show lasting executive function deficits, particularly in mental flexibility and response inhibition. These cognitive challenges persist even without major physical disabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Individuals born very preterm (VPT) face elevated risks of perinatal brain injury and subsequent long-term cognitive and behavioral issues.
  • Executive functioning is a critical cognitive domain frequently impaired in VPT populations throughout childhood and adolescence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate executive function in young adults born very preterm.
  • To identify specific executive function domains affected by very preterm birth in adulthood.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study assessed young adults born VPT (<33 weeks gestation) and matched controls.
  • A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered, including WASI, HSCT, COWAT, Animal and Object test, TMT, and TAP.
  • Analyses adjusted for IQ, gender, and age to isolate the effects of VPT.

Main Results:

  • VPT young adults demonstrated significant impairments in executive function tasks measuring response inhibition and mental flexibility.
  • These deficits were evident even after controlling for IQ, gender, and age.
  • No significant correlations were found between executive function scores and perinatal variables or neonatal ultrasound findings.

Conclusions:

  • Young adults born very preterm exhibit specific executive function deficits in mental flexibility and response inhibition.
  • These cognitive impairments persist into adulthood, independent of major physical disabilities.
  • Findings highlight the enduring impact of very preterm birth on higher-order cognitive processes.

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