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Cognitive Impairment Associated with Exposure to Toxigenic Fungi
Wayne A. Gordon, Ph.D., Eckardt Johanning, M.D.,M.Sc. Lisa Haddad, B.A.
The objective of the study was to examine whether cognitive impairment was
associated with exposure to Stachybotrys atra. 20 individuals were examined
using a standard neuropsychological battery and a symptom checklist. Results
indicate that all individuals seen meet at least 1 of the criteria for a
cognitive impairment, with 13 of the 20 (65%) meeting at least 3 of the criteria
for cognitive impairment. Preliminary findings suggest that exposure to
toxigenic molds are associated with cognitive impairment, specifically deficits
in verbal memory, verbal learning, attention/concentration and set shifting. In
addition to these cognitive deficits, the sample reported a high number of
cognitive, physical and behavioral symptoms. Validation on a larger sample of
individuals is indicated.