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Working Memory in Children With Neurocognitive Effects From Sickle Cell Disease: Contributions of the Central

Kelsey E Smith1, Jeffrey Schatz1

  • 1a Department of Psychology , University of South Carolina , Columbia , South Carolina.

Developmental Neuropsychology
|October 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience working memory deficits. Impaired central executive function, not processing speed, mediates this decline, suggesting targeted cognitive strategies may help.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with various complications.
  • Children with SCD face risks for cognitive impairments, including working memory deficits.
  • Understanding the underlying cognitive mechanisms is crucial for developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess working memory abilities and related functions in school-age children with SCD.
  • To investigate the role of central executive function and processing speed in working memory deficits in SCD.
  • To identify potential targets for cognitive remediation strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Baddeley's working memory model as a theoretical framework.
  • Assessed working memory, central executive function, and processing speed in 32 children with SCD and 85 matched controls.
  • Employed standardized cognitive assessments suitable for school-age children.

Main Results:

  • Children with SCD demonstrated significantly poorer performance in overall working memory compared to controls.
  • Impaired central executive function was identified as a key factor mediating the relationship between SCD and working memory deficits.
  • Processing/rehearsal speed did not significantly mediate the observed working memory impairments.

Conclusions:

  • Central executive dysfunction plays a critical role in the working memory deficits observed in children with SCD.
  • Cognitive remediation strategies focusing on enhancing central executive processes may be beneficial for improving working memory in this population.
  • Further research is warranted to develop and evaluate targeted interventions for cognitive deficits in pediatric SCD.

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