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Abstract

Attention and memory problems are presumably responsible for a variety of everyday life problems in patients with narcolepsy. Nevertheless, relatively little systematic neuropsychological studies have been conducted in this patient group. From a neuropsychological viewpoint several functionally segregated networks (e.g., orientation, alertness/vigilance, executive attention) are responsible for the different functions of attention. Deficits of vigilance have often been reported in patients with narcolepsy. It seems that patients with narcolepsy also show a deficit in the executive attention network. Results concerning memory deficits are contradictory. Further cognitive functions are rarely investigated. However, there does not seem to be a deficit in patients with narcolepsy. Neuropsychological knowledge about narcolepsy is limited at present. However, it presents a basis for theoretical considerations, further research and application to practical work.