Differential impact of the FMR-1 full mutation on memory and attention functioning : a neuropsychological perspective

J Cogn Neurosci. 2001 Jan 1;13(1):144-50. doi: 10.1162/089892901564126.

Abstract

Memory and attention processing were examined in a group of 15 adult Fragile-X syndrome (FXS) males with Fragile-X mental retardation 1 (FMR-1) full mutation and compared to two control groups: a learning disabled (LD) control and a normal functioning control. Performance was assessed across a wide range of tasks including working memory, recognition memory, selective attention, sustained attention, and attentional switching. All three groups performed at a comparable level on recognition memory tasks, and the Fragile-X males and LD control group performed worse than the control group on tasks of working memory and sustained attention. On a task of executive function, the Fragile-X males demonstrated a significant deficit in comparison to the LD control group and the normal control group, but performed better than the LD control group and at a comparable level to the control group on tasks of selective attention. Molecular analyses of the lymphocyte DNA provided little evidence for a correlation between expansion size and performance on tasks of memory and attention. The findings from the present study are discussed in the context of functional neuroimaging and brain-behavior-molecular correlates.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Face
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein
  • Fragile X Syndrome / genetics
  • Fragile X Syndrome / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / genetics
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Mutation*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology
  • RNA-Binding Proteins*

Substances

  • FMR1 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein