| dc.description.abstract | The 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic syndrome that is characterized by a deletion at band 11.2 on the long arm of chromosome 22. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the level of visual motor integration (VMI) and cognitive decline in children with 22q11DS. It has been reported that greater cognitive decline occurs in 22q11DS individuals who eventually develop a psychotic disorder and this decline appears to start at the age of approximately eleven years. These results suggest that early cognitive decline could potentially be used as a marker for schizophrenia or other psychotic symptoms. But are there markers that predict cognitive decline? Studies suggest a significant relation between cognitive functioning and VMI. Therefore, we hypothesized that VMI functioning in 22q11DS individuals before the age of eleven is predictive for cognitive decline starting at the age of eleven. Secondly, components of the VMI, visual perception (VP) and motor coordination (MC), are also hypothesized to predict cognitive decline. VMI functioning was measured at T-1 and cognitive functioning at T0 and T1 in a sample of N = 35 (10 males, 25 females; mean age T1 16.8 years, SD = 2.12, age range 14 through 21). Results indicate that VMI skill level does not predict cognitive decline later in life, odds ratio (OR) = 1.05; 95% CI, .930-1.18; p > .05. VP and MC neither predict cognitive decline, VP; OR = 1.01; 95% CI, .930-1.09; p > .05, MC; OR = 1.09; 95% CI, .916-1.30; p > .05. However, we did find that cognitive decline may already have occurred before T0. Therefore, it is important that future studies assess VMI functioning and the change in
cognitive functioning earlier in the life of 22q11DS children than was the case in the current study. We must keep on focusing on predictors for cognitive decline, since they may help in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia. | |
