Dissociation of Cross-Sectional Trajectories for Verbal and Visuo-Spatial Working Memory Development in Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Jun;46(6):2064-2071. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2736-2.

Abstract

Working memory (WM) impairments might amplify behavioural difference in genetic syndromes. Murine models of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) evidence memory impairments but there is limited research on memory in RTS. Individuals with RTS and typically developing children completed WM tasks, with participants with RTS completing an IQ assessment and parents/carers completing the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. A cross-sectional trajectory analysis was conducted. There were significant WM span deficits in RTS relative to mental age. Verbal WM span was positively associated with mental age; however, this was not observed for visuo-spatial span. There is a dissociation between WM domains in RTS. Individuals may have difficulties with tasks relying on WM span, above difficulties predicted by overall ability.

Keywords: Dissociation; Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome; Short-term memory; Typically developing children; Working memory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Memory Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Verbal Learning / physiology*
  • Young Adult