Remembering Things Without Context: Development Matters

Abstract

Spatial context supports memory retrieval in adults. To understand the development of these effects, context effects on object recognition were tested in neurotypical children ages 3 years to adulthood (n 3–6 years = 34, n 10–16 years = 32, n college age = 22) and individuals with Down syndrome (DS) ages 10–29 years (n = 21). Participants engaged in an object recognition task; objects were presented in scenes and either remained in that same scene or were removed at test. In some groups (<4.5 years and with DS) context effects were present even though object recognition was poor. After 4.5 years, children demonstrated memory flexibility, while later in adolescence context effects reemerged, showing nonlinearity in the development of these effects.

The Arizona Cognitive Test Battery for Down Syndrome: Test-Retest Reliability and Practice Effects

“…CANTAB PAL has been used as a benchmark measure for memory deficits in several patient groups, including individuals with DS, demonstrating low levels of noncompletion, adequate test-retest reliability, and sensitivity to detect differences between individuals with DS and control participants without the confounding influence of deficits in language (Edgin, Mason, et al, 2010; Edgin, Spanò, Kawa, & Nadel, 2014; Pennington et al, 2003; Visu-Petra, Benga, & Miclea, 2007). Further, performance on this task has been shown to correlate with parent-reported memory skills and ERP assessments (Spanò & Edgin, 2016; Van Hoogmoed, Nadel, Spanò, & Edgin, 2016).…”

Adaptation of the Arizona Cognitive Task Battery for use with the Ts65Dn mouse model (Mus musculus) of Down syndrome.

“…These deficits phenocopy the results from the ACTB used in testing children with Down syndrome, including the report that providing distracting contextual cues may impair memory function in Down syndrome (Edgin et al, 2010; Edgin et al, 2012; Edgin et al, 2014). …”

Using learning flexibly and remembering after a delay: understanding cognitive dysfunction in adults with Down syndrome

“…; Edgin et al . ). However, only a small number of studies have focussed on the learning and memory processes that might account for such broad episodic memory deficits.…”

“…; Edgin et al . ); however, there is a paucity of research on whether deficits in encoding, retention or the flexible use of learned information underlies episodic memory deficits. Investigating these specific processes will deepen our understanding of the cognitive profile of people with DS and has important clinical implications for cognitive interventions and employment training programs.…”