Executive Function and Healthcare Transition in IMD

Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMD) are single gene conditions that affect metabolic pathways. IMD are individually rare, but collectively common. Advances in diagnosis and management have greatly increased the life expectancy of patients with IMD. Gaps in our knowledge about adult neurocognitive outcomes and quality of life confounds the ability to obtain critical therapeutic supports, including social services and vocational rehabilitation. The lack of information also complicates our ability to provide anticipatory guidance to the families of younger patients about prognosis and how to optimize outcome. This study examines neurocognitive outcomes for adults with IMD with a focus on executive and adaptive function, domains necessary for managing life skills, using an entirely remote format.

Participants in this study will complete online surveys on their life skills, medical self-management skills, and quality of life. Thinking skills will be assessed through online questionnaires and a web-based collection of games that test executive function. Some participants will be asked to take part in an interview about their experience as an adult and the transition from pediatric to adult-centered healthcare.