Skip to main content

Atopic Dermatitis in Children Tied to Learning, Memory Difficulties

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 13, 2024.

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, March 12, 2024 -- Pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with greater odds of reported difficulties in learning and memory, but this association is driven by children with neurodevelopmental comorbidities, according to a study published online March 6 in JAMA Dermatology.

Emily Z. Ma, from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, and colleagues examined the association between AD and symptoms of cognitive impairment (difficulty in learning or memory) among a weighted sample of 69.7 million U.S. children.

The researchers found that compared with children without AD, children with AD were more likely to experience difficulties with learning (10.8 versus 5.9 percent) and difficulties with memory (11.1 versus 5.8 percent). When adjusting for sociodemographic factors, asthma, food allergies, and seasonal allergies or hay fever, AD was associated with increased odds of difficulties with learning (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.77) and memory (aOR, 1.69). AD was associated with two to three times higher odds of memory difficulties among children with any neurodevelopmental disorder (aOR, 2.26), including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (aOR, 2.90) or learning disabilities (aOR, 2.04). Among children without neurodevelopmental conditions, AD was not associated with learning or memory difficulties.

"These findings may improve the risk stratification of children with AD for cognitive impairments and suggest that evaluation for cognitive difficulties should be prioritized among children with AD and neurodevelopmental disorders," the authors write.

One author disclosed ties to Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and Janssen.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Read this next

Lebrikizumab Tied to Sustained Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Effect

TUESDAY, June 18, 2024 -- Lebrikizumab is associated with sustained effects for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis for up to week 52 following withdrawal of treatment, according...

1.5 Percent Ruxolitinib Cream Safe, Effective for Teens With Eczema

FRIDAY, May 31, 2024 -- Long-term intermittent use of ruxolitinib cream is well tolerated and provides disease control in adolescent patients with atopic dermatitis (AD)...

Parental E-Cigarette Use Linked to Increase in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

TUESDAY, May 28, 2024 -- Parental electronic cigarette use is associated with increased odds of pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD), according to a research letter published online...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.