Attentional Functioning is a Predictor for Intellectual Functioning in NF1

Background: Attention performance was investigated as a possible predictor for intellectual development in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) in a longitudinal design. Two hypotheses were tested: [1] Attention performance is a predictor for intellectual functioning in the short and long-term. [2] An amelioration of attention functions is accompanied by a significant improvement in intellectual functioning in NF1.

Methods: Three patient groups (NF1ADHD, NF1only, and ADHDonly) with a total of 66 participants aged between 6 and 12 years were examined in a matched group design. Intellectual functioning was assessed with the WISC-IV and attention functions with the T.O.V.A., a computerized continuous performance test. The time interval between the examinations added up to 24 month. Data was analyzed with multiple linear regressions for a combined NF1-group and the ADHDonly-group, with separate analyses for each assessment point [1]. To test hypothesis 2, each patient group was divided into patients that improved and patients that declined in attention functions over the term of the study. Afterwards, the subgroups were separately compared with and repeated measures ANCOVAs for each patient group [2].

Results: [1] Multiple linear regressions for the combined NF1-group were significant for both assessment points (T1: F(2, 40) = 4.737, p = .014 with R2 = .192; T2: F(2, 40) = 5.121, p = .010 with R2 = .204), which means that attention performance was a significant predictor for intellectual performance in NF1. For the ADHDonly-group, none of the regression models could significantly predict intellectual functioning (T1: F(2, 19) = 1.373, p = .277 with R2 = .126; T2: F(2, 19) = 2.603, p = .100 with R2 = .215). [2] None of the repeated measures ANCOVAs showed a significant effect of time on full-scale IQ.

Discussion/Conclusion: Attention dysfunction is a significant predictor for reduced intellectual functioning in the short- and long-term in children with NF1. Furthermore, intellectual abilities in NF1 do not seem to be modified by changes in attention functions over a two-year-period.

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