Verbal and nonverbal memory deficits in pure dyslexia

Abstract

We examined verbal and nonverbal memory in “pure” dyslexies and thoroughly screened controls using a two‐cohort cross‐validation design. There were four important results. First, our dyslexic samples showed short‐term memory deficits for both verbal material and nonverbal material. Second, the verbal and nonverbal memory deficits were separable. Third, although the verbal and nonverbal memory deficits were carried by different children, there were no distinct, compact clusters of the dyslexic sample with verbal or nonverbal memory deficits. Fourth, we found no evidence supporting a relationship between nonverbal memory deficit and the presence of arithmetic disability. Our results suggest either that memory deficits and reading disability are separate and mostly unrelated sequelae of an underlying lesion or that they are related in a very complex manner that may change over time.