BREAKING research suggests that children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are more prone to learning and memory difficulties, compared to those without the condition. The research team, led by Hannah Chang, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, USA, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, aimed to explore the association between AD and cognitive impairments.
Analysing data from 9,223,013 children with AD, and 60,509,794 without, the study revealed that a higher percentage of children with AD experienced learning difficulties (10.8%) and memory difficulties (11.1%), compared to those without AD (5.9% and 5.8%, respectively). Adjusted analyses showed that children with AD had significantly higher odds of both learning difficulties (adjusted odds ratio: 1.77) and memory difficulties (adjusted odds ratio: 1.69).
Moreover, among children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities, the presence of AD further increased the risk of memory difficulties. Specifically, children with ADHD were 2.9-times more likely to experience memory difficulties if they also had AD, while those with learning disabilities had a 2.04-times higher odds. However, among children without neurodevelopmental conditions, there was no significant association between AD and cognitive difficulties.
Based on these findings, the authors recommended prioritising cognitive evaluations for children with AD, especially those with comorbid ADHD or learning disabilities. Identifying high-risk groups can facilitate targeted neuropsychological screening, allowing affected individuals to access appropriate interventions, such as educational accommodations or behavioural therapies. Overall, this study highlights the importance of recognising the cognitive impacts of AD, particularly in children with existing neurodevelopmental conditions. By addressing these cognitive challenges early on, healthcare professionals can better support the educational and developmental needs of children with AD.
