Lead-induced impairments in complex cognitive function: offerings from experimental studies

Child Neuropsychol. 2003 Mar;9(1):54-75. doi: 10.1076/chin.9.1.54.14499.

Abstract

Experimental studies, relying primarily on rodent and non-human primate models, have produced compelling evidence supporting effects of chronic low level lead exposure on learning, with the magnitude of those effects possibly modulated by developmental period of exposure and learning paradigm parameters. In contrast, changes in memory are not systematically demonstrated. The impact of lead exposure on attention has yet to be clearly delineated in either human or experimental studies, although impulsivity or aversion to delay appears to be a sensitive component of attention that may be targeted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Attention / drug effects
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Cognition Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / chemically induced
  • Lead / adverse effects*
  • Lead Poisoning / psychology*
  • Learning / drug effects

Substances

  • Lead