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The pars triangularis in dyslexia and ADHD: A comprehensive approach.
Michelle Y Kibby1, Judith M Kroese, Hillery Krebbs
1Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Department of Psychology, Carbondale, IL 62901, United States. mkibby@siu.edu
Brain and Language
|April 10, 2009
Summary
Children with ADHD have smaller right pars triangularis (PT) lengths. Left PT structure variations correlate with language abilities, impacting phonological processing and attention in dyslexia and ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Limited research exists on the pars triangularis (PT) structure in dyslexia.
- The right inferior frontal region, potentially including the PT, is implicated in ADHD.
- Language and phonological processing are often affected in both dyslexia and ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pars triangularis (PT) structure in children with dyslexia and ADHD.
- To examine the relationship between PT morphology and overall expressive language ability.
- To explore the association between PT structure and specific linguistic functions.
Main Methods:
- Study included 50 children: 10 with dyslexia, 15 with ADHD, 15 with comorbid dyslexia/ADHD, and 10 controls.
- A 2x2 (dyslexia/no dyslexia x ADHD/no ADHD) MANCOVA was employed.
- Pars triangularis (PT) length, shape, and sulcal patterns were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in PT length or shape were found between children with and without dyslexia.
- Children with ADHD exhibited smaller right PT lengths compared to controls.
- Right anterior ascending ramus length correlated with attention problems.
- An extra sulcus in the left PT was linked to poorer expressive language.
- Left PT length related to phonological awareness, memory, and naming speed in children with adequate language skills.
- Right PT length correlated with naming speed and semantic processing.
Conclusions:
- ADHD is associated with reduced right pars triangularis (PT) length.
- Specific PT structural variations correlate with distinct linguistic functions and attention.
- Further research into PT morphology in relation to ADHD and language is recommended.
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