Abstract

This study aimed at investigating implicit and explicit long-term memory functioning in subjects with Down syndrome (DS) as to compared to Mental-Age (MA) matched normal children. For this purpose, tests of verbal and visuo-perceptual explicit memory, verbal and visual repetition priming as well as learning of procedures tasks were administered to 14 DS and 20 MA subjects. Our results document comparable implicit memory abilities in the two groups. On the contrary, as for explicit memory, normal children performed better than DS individuals. These results reveal a functional dissociation between implicit and explicit memory in subjects with DS. Theoretical and rehabilitative implications are discussed.