Abstract
Previous literature suggests that renal patients exhibit focal deficits in visuo-spatial ability compared to intact verbal skills. Neuropsychological literature suggests this presentation would be consistent with right hemisphere involvement although there is no basis for this focal presentation in the neuropathological or neuroradiological literature. Previous neuropsychological studies included timed visuo-spatial subtests such as Block Design which also assess speed of information processing factors. It is hypothesised that previous studies might have erroneously attributed poor subtest performances to visuo-spatial deficits when time-limits and speed of information processing factors were more likely involved. The present study administered a variety of timed and untimed visuo-spatial subtests including an adapted version of Block Design to 18 well-dialysed renal participants and 20 colorectal medical controls. Measures of intelligence, information processing, motor speed, and mood were also given. Under timed and untimed scoring conditions no evidence of visuo-spatial deficits or right hemisphere involvement was found in the current renal population. Significant evidence of speed of information processing difficulties was found however, effect sizes were low. The possible role of nerve conduction velocities in renal patients’ neuropsychological performances is discussed. The study highlights the need for further investigation when isolated visuo-spatial deficits are found in renal patients.