Evaluating working memory outcome measures for children with Down syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Down syndrome (DS) research requires validated cognitive outcome measures for clinical trials.
• Working memory is a critical cognitive skill in individuals with Down syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To psychometrically evaluate standardized working memory measures for use in Down syndrome clinical trials.
• To assess the feasibility, reliability, and validity of these measures in children and adolescents with DS.

Main Methods:

• Ninety children and adolescents (6-18 years) with DS were assessed on verbal and visuospatial working memory subtests at two time points.
• Caregiver adaptive behavior questionnaires were used to assess convergent validity.

Main Results:

• Stanford Binet-5 and WISC-5 Picture Span measures showed strong psychometric properties across a wide age and IQ range.
• Some measures, like DAS-2 Recall of Sequential Order and Digits Backward, had limitations but showed feasibility in specific subgroups.
• Floor effects on standard scores and feasibility issues were noted for certain measures.

Conclusions:

• Several working memory measures are psychometrically sound for Down syndrome clinical trials, particularly when using raw scores.
• Guidelines are offered for the appropriate use of these measures in the Down syndrome population.
• Further research may be needed to address limitations of specific assessment tools.