iAnstract: Heritability of verbal and visual-spatial memory

Neuropsychology - Vol 23, Iss 6
Neuropsychology focuses on (a) basic research, (b) the integration of basic and applied research, and (c) improved practice in the field of neuropsychology. The primary function of Neuropsychology is to publish original, empirical research on the relation between brain and human cognitive, emotional, and behavioral function.

The genetic and environmental structure of verbal and visuospatial memory in young adults and children.

Mon, Nov 9 2009 11:50 PM 
by van Leeuwen, Marieke; van den Berg, St�phanie M.; Hoekstra, Rosa A.; Boomsma, Dorret I.

The extent to which verbal (VM) and visuospatial memory (VSM) tests measure the same or multiple constructs is unclear. Likewise the relationship between VM and VSM across development is not known. These questions are addressed using genetically informative data, studying two age cohorts (young adults and children) of twins and siblings. VM and VSM were measured in the working memory and short-term memory domain. Multivariate genetic analyses revealed that two highly correlated common genetic factors, one for VM and one for VSM, gave the best description of the covariance structure among the measures. Only in children, specific genetic factors were also present. This led to the following conclusions: In children, one genetic factor is responsible for linking VM and VSM. Specific genetic factors create differences between these two domains. During the course of development, the influence of genetic factors unique to each of these domains disappears and the genetic factor develops into two highly correlated factors, which are specific to VM and VSM respectively. At the environmental level, in both age cohorts, environmental factors create differences between these domains.

Kevin McGrew PhD

Educational/School Psych. 

IAP (www.iapsych.com)

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