Cognitive and motor control in neurofibromatosis type I: influence of maturation and hyperactivity-inattention

Thirty children and adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and thirty controls performed neuropsychological tasks with varying cognitive control demands. Group differences, indicating poorer performance of individuals with NF1, increased as a function of cognitive control demands. Group by age interactions indicated greater differences among younger participants with respect to inhibitory control and motor function. When more cognitive control was required, particularly in working memory tasks, group differences were present across different ages. Excluding children with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, which is highly prevalent among individuals with NF1, and further statistical control for hyperactivity-inattention, also reduced group differences regarding motor function and inhibition, but a cognitive control deficit remained evident for children and adolescents with NF1.