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Prospective memory in adults with spina bifida
Maureen Dennis1, Rebekah Nelson, Derryn Jewell
1Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada. maureen.dennis@sickkids.ca
Summary
Prospective memory, crucial for daily tasks, is impaired in adults with spina bifida meningomyelocele (SBM). This cognitive deficit is significantly more prevalent in older SBM individuals, indicating accelerated cognitive aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Disorders
- Cognitive Aging
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders are linked to accelerated cognitive aging and dementia.
- Memory deficits are a key feature of age-related cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prospective memory in adults with spina bifida meningomyelocele (SBM).
- To compare prospective memory function in younger and older SBM cohorts.
- To examine the relationship between SBM and age-related memory impairments.
Main Methods:
- Studied prospective memory in 32 adults with SBM, including an older cohort (around 50 years).
- Included 17 typically developing adults as a comparison group.
- Assessed time-based and event-based prospective memory subscores.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in prospective memory total scores and subscores between SBM and comparison groups.
- Prospective memory impairment observed in both younger and older SBM individuals.
- Older SBM individuals showed a three-fold higher rate of impaired prospective memory compared to younger SBM individuals.
Conclusions:
- Prospective memory is compromised in adults with SBM, irrespective of age.
- Accelerated cognitive aging, specifically in prospective memory, is evident in the older SBM cohort.
- Findings relate to the complex brain reorganization associated with SBM.
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