Working memory abilities among children treated for medulloblastoma: parent report and child performance.

Objective: We investigated the 5-year postsurgical developmental trajectory of working memory (WM) in children with medulloblastoma using parent and performance-based measures.

Method: This study included 167 patients treated for medulloblastoma. Serial assessments of WM occurred at predetermined time points for 5 years.

Results: There was a subtle, statistically significant increase in parental concern about WM, coupled with a statistically significant decrease in age-standardized scores on performance-based measures. However, whole-group mean scores on both parent and performance-based measures remained in the age-expected range. Posterior fossa syndrome was consistently associated with poorer WM. Younger age at treatment and higher treatment intensity were associated with greater negative change in WM performance only.

Conclusions: Most children treated for medulloblastoma display WM within the age-appropriate range according to parent report and performance. However, the subtle negative changes over time and identified subgroups at increased risk highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of this population.