title: Verbal learning and memory in agenesis of the corpus callosum.
abstract: The role of interhemispheric interactions in the encoding, retention, and retrieval of verbal memory can be clarified by assessing individuals with complete or partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC), but who have normal intelligence. This study assessed verbal learning and memory in AgCC using the California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II). Twenty-six individuals with AgCC were compared to 24 matched controls on CVLT-II measures, as well as Donders׳ four CVLT-II factors (i.e., Attention Span, Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory, and Inaccurate Memory). Individuals with AgCC performed significantly below healthy controls on the Delayed Memory factor, confirmed by significant deficits in short and long delayed free recall and cued recall. They also performed less well in original learning. Deficient performance by individuals with AgCC during learning trials, as well as deficits in all forms of delayed memory, suggest that the corpus callosum facilitates interhemispheric elaboration and encoding of verbal information.
authors.affiliation: The Travis Research Institute, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, 180 N. Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA.
authors.forename: Roger L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.affiliation: Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, MC 228-77, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
authors.forename: Lynn K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.affiliation: The Travis Research Institute, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, 180 N. Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA. Electronic address: wsbrown@fuller.edu.
authors.forename: Warren S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D061085:Agenesis of Corpus Callosum / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D014706:Verbal Learning; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Corpus callosum; Encoding; Verbal learning; Verbal memory