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Attentional Lapse and Inhibition Control in Adults with Williams Syndrome

Greer, J.; Riby, D.M.; Hamiliton, C.; Riby, L.M.

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Authors

J. Greer

C. Hamiliton



Abstract

Research exploring cognitive processing associated with Williams Syndrome (WS) has suggested that executive functioning deficits exist across the developmental spectrum. Such executive functions include problem solving, planning, dividing attention and inhibiting responses. Within a framework of executive functions, the aim of the current study was to explore attentional lapse and inhibition skills in older adults with WS (n = 20; aged 36–61 yr) and consider the implications of deficits within this group. Participants with WS were compared to typical adults of the same chronological age and typical older adults (aged 65+ yr) to consider attentional changes seen in the ageing process. The study employed a sustained attention to response task known to assess inhibition and attentional lapse but which had not previously been used with this population. Compared to both groups of typical matches, the results indicated atypicalities of attention and inhibition in adults with WS. Specifically, compared to the typical matches, adults with WS failed to withhold a response (showing inhibition deficits), had problems re-engaging attentional control processes after making an error and showed a generalised deficit of concentration and task engagement. We conclude that further attention should be paid to the cognitive capacity of older individuals with WS in order to consider the everyday challenges faced by this group and to provide adequate intervention and support for daily living.

Citation

Greer, J., Riby, D., Hamiliton, C., & Riby, L. (2013). Attentional Lapse and Inhibition Control in Adults with Williams Syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34(11), 4170-4177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2013.08.041

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Nov 1, 2013
Deposit Date Dec 15, 2014
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Research in Developmental Disabilities
Print ISSN 0891-4222
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 34
Issue 11
Pages 4170-4177
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2013.08.041
Keywords Williams Syndrome, Ageing, Cognition, Inhibition, Executive function, Attentional lapse, Concentration.

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Copyright Statement
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Research in Developmental Disabilities. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34, 11, November 2013, 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.08.041.





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