Cognitive deficits in neurofibromatosis 1

Cognitive deficits and academic learning difficulties are the most common neurologic "complication" of neurofibromatosis 1 in childhood and can be responsible for significant lifetime morbidity. There is a slight increase in the frequency of mental retardation (Wechsler Full-Scale IQ < 70) in children with neurofibromatosis 1, but the mean Full-Scale IQ for the patient group is within 1 SD of the population mean. Academic difficulties are common, as are specific deficits in visuospatial ability, executive function, expressive and receptive language, and attentional skills. Behavioral and psychosocial problems have a major impact on quality of life, although there are few objective studies in this area. Current research is focusing on the pathogenesis of the disorder. Clinical studies have identified possible r diologic and pathologic markers for cognitive deficits in neurofibromatosis 1, which can now be explored in animal modes.