Executive functioning and working memory deficits on the CANTAB among children with prenatal alcohol exposure

J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol. 2011;18(1):e44-53. Epub 2011 Jan 28.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Attention / drug effects
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Ethanol / adverse effects*
  • Executive Function / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / drug effects*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / physiopathology
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Ethanol