Neuropsychological characteristics of children with the 22q11 Deletion Syndrome: a descriptive analysis

Child Neuropsychol. 2005 Feb;11(1):39-53. doi: 10.1080/09297040590911167.

Abstract

Previous reports of cognitive functioning in children with the 22q11 Deletion Syndrome have reported marked variability in IQ and achievement subtest scores. Studies have begun to explore neuropsychological function in 22q11 DS however results are inconsistent and the profile incomplete. We assessed 40 children ages 5-12 with 22q11 DS. Consistent with past results, visual-spatial memory was significantly lower than verbal memory. Differentially lowered scores were found only in visual attention, working memory and motor function. Contrary with some past results quantitative, verbal ability, and visual spatial memory scores were within 1 SD from the standardization sample mean. Motor behavior, not typically discussed with regard to 22q11 DS school-age children, may be critical to incorporate in neurocognitive studies of children with 22q11 DS. Implications of these findings are considered with regard to past results.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / abnormalities
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 / genetics*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / complications*
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / genetics*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gene Deletion*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / etiology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stanford-Binet Test