Dataset for PLOS One.

IntroductionResearch has consistently reported that individuals born very preterm (VP; MethodParticipants were 111 young adults born VP (mean age: 20.1 years) and 43 young adults born at term (mean age: 19.9 years). They completed an adapted visuospatial change detection task which assessed working memory maintenance with increasing levels of selective attention demands.ResultsThe VP group demonstrated slightly poorer performance in working memory compared with the term born group when selective attention demands were minimal. The working memory group difference did not increase with the introduction of greater selective attention demands.ConclusionBased on these findings, reductions in working memory performance in those born VP compared with term born controls are unlikely to be explained by selective attention challenges. This study has important clinical implications such that it provides important insights and evidence into the cognitive development of those born VP as they begin to reach adulthood. Further, this research study further the cognitive phenotype of this population, which, in turn, may aid in the development of efficacious cognitive interventions for this high-risk group.