Working Memory Abilities Among Children Treated for Medulloblastoma: Parent Report and Child Performance

Abstract

Most children treated for medulloblastoma display WM within the age-appropriate range according to parent report and performance. However, the subtle negative changes over time and identified subgroups at increased risk highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of this population.

Executive function in paediatric medulloblastoma: The role of cerebrocerebellar connections

“…However, it is noted that although our MB sample had scores below that of our HC group for our planning/problem‐solving component, mean group performance on this component of EF was still within the average range compared to normative data. Our findings contribute to evidence of impairment in aspects of cognitive efficiency (i.e., speed of processing, inhibition/switching) (Mabbott et al ., ; Palmer et al ., ; Vaquero et al ., ; Waber et al ., ) and working memory (Conklin et al ., ; Davidson et al ., ; Kirschen et al ., ; Knight et al ., ; Law et al ., ; Palmer et al ., ; Vaquero et al ., ) in MB. To our knowledge, our study is the first to describe select deficits of EF in other domains of cognitive efficiency and suggest a potential deficit in planning/problem‐solving in survivors of MB, based on our sample.…”

A randomized control intervention trial to improve social skills and quality of life in pediatric brain tumor survivors

“…These deficits may affect quality of life (QOL) during and after treatment and persist into adulthood . Tumor location and type, as well as cranial irradiation; and personal characteristics such as neurocognitive and executive functioning may be associated with social outcomes in PBTS. Limited information exists, however, on how to improve social competence in this population.…”

Family estimates of risk for neurocognitive late effects following pediatric cancer: From diagnosis through the first three years of survivorship

“…We also were unable to examine treatment modalities in isolation due to the number of potential combinations, and consequently, limited samples within each subgroup. There are likely dose‐related effects of treatment on cognitive abilities, such that more intense treatments (e.g., higher dose chemotherapy or radiation) produce more severe neurocognitive deficits . However, additional research is needed to establish cut‐points for the intensity of each CNS‐directed treatment, as well as the potential additive effect of corticosteroids (i.e., dexamethasone and prednisone), which can be detrimental to a child's future cognitive functioning .…”