Research Priorities to Improve Neuropsychological and Cognitive Outcomes in Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus affects cognitive and emotional well-being across the lifespan. Challenges with attention, memory, learning, problem-solving, stress, anxiety, and depression are common and often overlooked. Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on how the brain and nervous system work to influence behavior and thinking (cognition).

In response to these challenges, we collaborated with neuropsychologists, neuroscientists, medical professionals, caregivers, and those living with hydrocephalus to create research priorities to steer the research in this field. These priorities have been published in the scientific journal, Fluids and Barriers of the CNS. This underscores our commitment to call upon experts to address one of the most pressing concerns of the hydrocephalus community: improving the quality of life for individuals living with this condition.

The research priorities include:

Neuropsychology

To understand the neuropsychological characteristics of hydrocephalus across the lifespan

Develop tools to assess and track impairments and find ways to predict cognitive outcomes.

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To improve lifelong
care

Establish care pathways to support individuals from childhood through adulthood, to ensure that they are equipped to manage the demands of schooling, employment, and independent living.

4

To advance preclinical
research

Explore animal models to further our understanding.

3

To understand how treatment can affect neuropsychological outcomes

Evaluate how surgical and other interventions affect outcomes.

Why This Matters

This initiative marks a significant expansion of the Hydrocephalus Association’s research network to include neuropsychologists, ensuring that the psychological and cognitive aspects of hydrocephalus are integrated into care and research. 

To learn more about the Hydrocephalus Association’s overall research priorities, visit our Community Research Priorities page.

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