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Executive functioning and working memory deficits on the CANTAB among children with prenatal alcohol exposure
Carmen Rasmussen1, Maryam Soleimani, Jacqueline Pei
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta. carmen@ualberta.ca
Background:
Children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) display numerous neuropsychological impairments, including deficits on measures of executive functioning (EF) and working memory.
Objectives:
The goal of this project was to examine whether children with PAE and FASD demonstrate EF and working memory deficits on the CANTAB® (a computerized neuropsychological test).
Methods:
Twenty-four children with PAE and 26 control children were tested on the CANTAB®.
Results:
Children with PAE demonstrated deficits in the areas of executive functioning, working memory, and attention. Among the PAE group, those with FASD were specifically impaired on working memory capacity.
Conclusions:
The CANTAB® is a useful tool for detecting neurobehavioral deficits in children with PAE.
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