Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 196.1 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Quantitative MRI neural correlates for developmental specific language impairment. |
| Authors: |
Rankin, P. M.*1
; Belton, E.1
; Briscoe, J.
; Vargha-Khadem, F.1
; Gathercole, S. E.
; Gadian, D. G.2
1Developmental Cognitive Neurosci., Inst. of Child Hlth., UCL, London, United Kingdom 2Radiology & Physics, Inst. of Child Hlth., UCL, London, United Kingdom |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Human Cognition and Behavior -- Language |
| Session: |
196. Human Cognition and Behavior: Development II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, November 9, 2003 8:00 AM-9:00 AM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # V8 |
| Keywords: | cerebellum, hippocampus, orbitofrontal, memory |
19 Participants with developmental Specific Language Impairment (SLI) were examined by neuropsychological and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Measures of intelligence (IQ), language, and memory were obtained, and 3D MRI structural datasets were analysed for bilateral pathology using voxel-based morphometry (VBM).
Each participant had been diagnosed with SLI during childhood, and had or was attending a special language unit. The participants ranged in age between 8 and 24 years, and none had any evidence of oro-motor dyspraxia. In addition, each had superior nonverbal compared to verbal IQ, and was impaired on a range of language tests, and on measures of episodic long term memory. To examine the reliability of the VBM findings, two age-matched SLI groups (N=10, & N=9) were formed. Using VBM, comparison of each group to its own control group (matched on age, sex, and nonverbal IQ) showed significant bilateral reductions in grey matter within the cerebellum, particularly around the vermis, after correction for multiple comparisons.
The results of each group versus controls were then compared in a conjunction analysis. Consistent with the previous analyses, bilateral reduction in grey matter within the cerebellum was found. In addition, this analysis also revealed bilateral grey matter reduction in the hippocampal and orbito-frontal regions in both SLI groups.
In summary, the findings from our combined neuropsychological and morphometric analyses implicate a role for the cerebellum, and the hippocampal regions in language and long term memory development in individuals with SLI. The relationship of orbitofrontal abnormality and symptoms of SLI requires further investigation.
Each participant had been diagnosed with SLI during childhood, and had or was attending a special language unit. The participants ranged in age between 8 and 24 years, and none had any evidence of oro-motor dyspraxia. In addition, each had superior nonverbal compared to verbal IQ, and was impaired on a range of language tests, and on measures of episodic long term memory. To examine the reliability of the VBM findings, two age-matched SLI groups (N=10, & N=9) were formed. Using VBM, comparison of each group to its own control group (matched on age, sex, and nonverbal IQ) showed significant bilateral reductions in grey matter within the cerebellum, particularly around the vermis, after correction for multiple comparisons.
The results of each group versus controls were then compared in a conjunction analysis. Consistent with the previous analyses, bilateral reduction in grey matter within the cerebellum was found. In addition, this analysis also revealed bilateral grey matter reduction in the hippocampal and orbito-frontal regions in both SLI groups.
In summary, the findings from our combined neuropsychological and morphometric analyses implicate a role for the cerebellum, and the hippocampal regions in language and long term memory development in individuals with SLI. The relationship of orbitofrontal abnormality and symptoms of SLI requires further investigation.
Supported by The Wellcome Trust.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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