Down syndrome and the phonological loop: the evidence for, and importance of, a specific verbal short-term memory deficit.
Individuals with Down syndrome are thought to perform poorly on tests of verbal short-term memory, such as measures of word span or digit span. This review critically examines the evidence for a specific deficit in verbal short-term memory in Down syndrome, and outlines a range of possible explanations for such a deficit. The potential implications of a verbal short-term memory impairment for broader aspects of development are outlined, in particular with respect to vocabulary development. Possible intervention strategies, which might improve verbal short-term memory performance in Down syndrome are also considered. However, we argue that further research is needed to fully clarify the nature of a verbal short-term memory deficit in Down syndrome, before the merits of these various intervention approaches can be properly evaluated.
Jarrold
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Department of Psychology, Centre for the Study of Memory and Learning, University of Bristol, UK.
Baddeley
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Phillips
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D001184:Articulation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D001307:Auditory Perception; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007807:Language Tests; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008959:Models, Neurological; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D014706:Verbal Learning