UA researchers create tests to assess cognitive function specifically in people with Down syndrome

Prof Lynn Nadel, Regents Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona, has been researching,  teaching, writing and talking about the impacts of brain development in people with Down syndrome for many years, and is regarded as a leading authority internationally. His latest research publication. with an equally illustrious list of co-authors, has enormous implications in the practice of psychometric assessment.

The University of Arizona News reported this week:

Neuroscientists in the Down Syndrome Research Group at the University of Arizona have created a battery of tests that quickly aid in the assessment of the cognitive abilities of persons with Down syndrome. The University of Arizona collaborated on the development of the tests with colleagues at Johns Hopkins University and Emory University.

The tests – a series of computer exercises that are not language dependent – offer clinicians and other researchers a new tool that can help determine both the developmental trajectory of those with Down syndrome and aid in devising drug and behavioral interventions. Read the full UA report here.

The study, "Development and validation of the Arizona Cognitive Test Battery for Down syndrome," is published in the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, with the full text available for free download here.

Citation:
Jamie O. Edgin, Gina M. Mason, Melissa J. Allman, George T. Capone, Iser DeLeon, Cheryl Maslen, Roger H. Reeves, Stephanie L. Sherman and Lynn Nadel, Development and validation of the Arizona Cognitive Test Battery for Down syndrome Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Volume 2, Number 3, 149-164,  DOI: 10.1007/s11689-010-9054-3
Abstract