University of Twente Student Theses
Association of Phenylalanine Levels and Dietary Control with Cognitive Performance in Early-Treated Phenylketonuria : A Retrospective Longitudinal Study from Childhood to Adolescence
Bondarenko, Aljona (2024) Association of Phenylalanine Levels and Dietary Control with Cognitive Performance in Early-Treated Phenylketonuria : A Retrospective Longitudinal Study from Childhood to Adolescence.
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| Abstract: | Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder with an impaired phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism. Early diagnosis and dietary management can prevent neurological damage, but the long-term cognitive effects are unclear. This study examined relationships between Phe levels and cognitive performance in early-treated PKU patients from childhood to adolescence. Data from 64 PKU patients (35 female, 29 male) at Heidelberg University Hospital were analysed, with cognitive performance assessed using reaction time (RT) tasks. Concurrent and historical Phe levels were collected, forming indices of dietary control (IDC) from mean half-year median Phe levels. Multiple regression analyses explored the relationship between IDCs, concurrent Phe levels, and cognitive outcomes. Results from 35 patients tested at two points (mean ages 8.7 and 13.5 years) showed lower concurrent Phe levels at the first point correlated with better cognitive performance, especially in simple RT and visual search tasks. No significant association was found between Phe levels after age ten and cognitive performance at the second point, but early cognitive performance correlated with later performance. Maintaining low Phe levels in early childhood is important for optimal cognitive outcomes, though strict dietary control may not be necessary during adolescence. Further research is required on dietary relaxation and long-term cognitive development. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/102150 |
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