From Learning to Memory: A Comparison Between Verbal and Non-verbal Skills in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

Previous studies on possible memory deficits in 22q11DS often focused on quantifying the information memorized, whereas learning processes have been mostly overlooked. Furthermore, methodological differences in task design have made verbal and non-verbal comparison challenging and mixed results have been observed depending on chosen stimuli. 135 participants (78 with 22q11DS) completed a multi-trial memory task modeled after the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task, comparing verbal and non-verbal learning as well as retention over time.

Path Integration and Cognitive Mapping Capacities in Down and Williams Syndromes.

Williams (WS) and Down (DS) syndromes are neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct genetic origins and different spatial memory profiles. In real-world spatial memory tasks, where spatial information derived from all sensory modalities is available, individuals with DS demonstrate low-resolution spatial learning capacities consistent with their mental age, whereas individuals with WS are severely impaired. However, because WS is associated with severe visuo-constructive processing deficits, it is unclear whether their impairment is due to abnormal visual processing or whether it reflects an inability to build a cognitive map.

Children five-to-nine years old can use path integration to build a cognitive map without vision.

Although spatial navigation competence improves greatly from birth to adulthood, different spatial memory capacities emerge at different ages. Here, we characterized the capacity of 5-9-year-old children to use path integration to build egocentric and allocentric spatial representations to navigate in their environment, and compared their performance with that of young adults. First, blindfolded participants were tested on their ability to return to a starting point after being led on straight and two-legged paths.

Long-term verbal memory deficit and associated hippocampal alterations in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a genetic disease associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia and a specific cognitive profile.

Dissociation of spatial memory systems in Williams syndrome.

Williams syndrome (WS), a genetic deletion syndrome, is characterized by severe visuospatial deficits affecting performance on both tabletop spatial tasks and on tasks which assess orientation and navigation. Nevertheless, previous studies of WS spatial capacities have ignored the fact that two different spatial memory systems are believed to contribute parallel spatial representations supporting navigation. The place learning system depends on the hippocampal formation and creates flexible relational representations of the environment, also known as cognitive maps.

Visual memory profile in 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome: are there differences in performance and neurobiological substrates between tasks linked to ventral and dorsal visual brain structures? A cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Background: Children affected by the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have a specific neuropsychological profile with strengths and weaknesses in several cognitive domains.

Developmental trajectories of executive functions in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Background: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a genetic disorder associated with a specific cognitive profile.

Allocentric spatial learning and memory deficits in Down syndrome.

Studies have shown that persons with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit relatively poor language capacities, and impaired verbal and visuoperceptual memory, whereas their visuospatial memory capacities appear comparatively spared. Individuals with DS recall better where an object was previously seen than what object was previously seen. However, most of the evidence concerning preserved visuospatial memory comes from tabletop or computerized experiments which are biased toward testing egocentric (viewpoint-dependent) spatial representations.