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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Working memory performance among childhood brain tumor survivors
Heather M Conklin1, Jason M Ashford, Robyn A Howarth
1Department of Psychology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA.
Summary
Childhood brain tumor survivors show working memory deficits after radiation therapy. These cognitive impairments correlate with overall intellectual functioning, suggesting prefrontal brain region vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Longitudinal studies indicate intellectual declines in children treated for brain tumors.
- Specific cognitive changes post-treatment are needed for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate working memory performance in childhood brain tumor survivors.
- To compare survivors to solid tumor patients without CNS therapy and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 130 participants (50 brain tumor survivors, 40 solid tumor survivors, 40 controls).
- Assessed working memory using Digit Span and computerized self-ordered search (SOS) tasks.
- Compared working memory to recognition memory (delayed match-to-sample).
Main Results:
- Childhood brain tumor survivors exhibited significant impairments in both traditional and experimental working memory tasks.
- Working memory deficits correlated with overall intellectual functioning.
- Findings suggest greater working memory impairment compared to recognition memory.
Conclusions:
- Childhood brain tumor survivors treated with radiation therapy experience working memory deficits.
- These impairments are linked to prefrontal brain region vulnerabilities.
- Results have implications for clinical management and intervention strategies.
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