Document Type
Poster
Original Publication Date
2024
Date of Submission
July 2024
Abstract
Introduction. Risk reduction programs for patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) targeting early detection of neurocognitive impairments are in high demand. Neurocognitive deficits impact up to 80% of NF1 patients in ≥1 domains: attention, language skills, executive functioning, and intellectual functioning. The primary aim of this 6-month longitudinal study was to examine the relationship between a more comprehensive assessment tool (Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children: 5th Ed; WISC-V) with a brief cognitive assessment tool (NIH Toolbox Cognition). Methods. Pediatric patients with NF1 were 6-16 years (M age : 11 ± 3.4; 65.5% female; 58.6% non-Latinx white, 34.5% non-Latinx minoritized, 6.9% Latinx). Patients completed the WISC-V and NIH Toolbox Cognition at baseline. Results. There were moderate to strong bivariate relationships between the WISC-V full scale and primary index scores with the NIH Toolbox Cognition primary index and total cognitive standard scores (r = .49-.72, p < .05). WISC-V scales measuring verbal comprehension (r = .52-.72), visual spatial processing (r = .60), fluid reasoning (r = .55), working memory (r = .69), and processing speed (r = .56-.73) were significantly related to NIH Cognition subscales measuring similar domains (p < .05). Conclusions. The present study supports the use of abbreviated neuro-cognitive assessment batteries to inform clinical interventions for pediatric patients with NF1. Untreated neurocognitive impairments in childhood are associated with increased rates of psychological distress and worse functional outcomes in adulthood (e.g., lower academic and vocational achievement, lower income, and unemployment). Psychologists integrated within multidisciplinary clinical teams need brief assessment and intervention tools that can be integrated as part of routine clinical care. Preventative early assessment and problem-focused interventions will serve as a protective factor by ultimately reducing risk of developing adverse outcomes in adolescence and adulthood; enabling this vulnerable pediatric cohort to be successful across the developmental lifespan from childhood to adulthood.
Is Part Of
Publications and Presentations from the VCU Dept. of Epidemiology
Comments
Poster presented at the SPPAC (Society of Pediatric Psychology Conference) held in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 24-27, 2024. Extramural Funding: Children’s Hospital Foundation Richmond VA. Poster submitted as a side project with the lab of Dr. Jennifer Rohan at the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.