Revista CEFAC
https://revistacefac.org.br/article/doi/10.1590/1982-0216/20262824825
Revista CEFAC
Review Articles

Cognitive and learning aspects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: An integrative review

Aspectos cognitivos e de aprendizagem na Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne: uma revisão integrativa  

Carla Yasmin Augusto da Silva Abreu; Giuseppe Pastura; Luciana Mendes; Flávia Nardes

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Abstract

Purpose: to investigate cognitive and learning aspects, particularly those related to written language, in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Methods: an integrative literature review conducted through searches in PubMed, SciELO, Revista Brasileira de Neurologia, and the Brazilian Virtual Health Library between February 5-10, 2025, using the following descriptors: learning, reading, social cognition, literacy, and DMD. The selected articles were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Literature Review: out of the 52 studies identified, 9 were included. The findings highlight significant deficits in working memory, executive functions, and phonological decoding skills in patients presented with DMD. Such difficulties have a marked impact on reading and learning.

Conclusion: the scarcity of studies underscores the need for further research in this area. Beyond motor impairments, DMD also significantly affects the learning of written language. Additional studies are necessary to better investigate and support reading acquisition in individuals with DMD.

Keywords

Learning; Reading; Social Cognition; Literacy; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne

Resumo

Objetivo: investigar na literatura os aspectos cognitivos e de aprendizagem, especialmente da linguagem escrita, de crianças com Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD).

Métodos: revisão integrativa da literatura, com buscas aplicadas à quatro bases de dados: PubMed, SciELO, Revista Brasileira de Neurologia e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), entre 5 e 10 de fevereiro de 2025, utilizando os descritores: aprendizagem, leitura, cognição social, alfabetização e DMD. Os artigos foram analisados quantitativa e qualitativamente.

Revisão da Literatura: dos 52 estudos encontrados, 9 foram selecionados. Os achados destacam déficits relevantes em memória de trabalho, funções executivas e habilidades de decodificação fonológica em pacientes com DMD. Tais dificuldades impactam significativamente a leitura e a aprendizagem.

Conclusão: a escassez de artigos mostra a importância de mais estudos na área. Além dos comprometimentos motores, a DMD também afeta significativamente a aprendizagem da linguagem escrita. Novos estudos são necessários para melhor investigar e intervir a aprendizagem de leitura em DMD.

Palavras-chave

Aprendizagem; Leitura; Cognição Social; Alfabetização; Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne

Referencias

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Submitted date:
29/07/2025

Accepted date:
17/11/2025

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