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.
Department of Psychology, Centre for the Study of Memory and Learning, University of Bristol, UK.
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Jarrold
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Baddeley
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Phillips
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