Data File: Evaluating working memory functioning in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis’

This is the data file for the below project:

Background: Individuals that suffer with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) frequently raise concerns regarding their cognitive functioning. Whilst there is extensive literature on how fatigue impacts cognition, investigation into the impacts of ME/CFS is currently limited. Human cognition is a complex hierarchical system that encompasses many domains. Within the domains of cognition, memory constitutes as a modality specific, foundational skill. Understanding the impact on memory, with consideration for verbal and visual information allows researchers to predict what higher order functions may also be impacted, thus allowing a more focussed approach to research to be undertaken.

Objectives: This systematic review/meta-analysis aimed to synthesise current research to investigate how ME/CFS impacts working memory systems.

Method: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of 6 databases was undertaken. Initially, 10574 papers were imported and following screening 34 studies of good to strong quality met the inclusion criteria. A series of random effects models were utilised to analyse working memory.

Results: Results indicated a significant difference and large effect size between ME/CFS individuals and controls on verbal working memory tasks, however, no significant difference in visual working memory performance was found between the groups. Following the breakdown of these subsystems into span/attentional control tasks and object/spatial tasks these results remained consistent.

Conclusions: These findings contribute to the body of ME/CFS research by articulating where specific working memory deficits lie. Specifically, they show that individuals with ME/CFS have impaired verbal memory performance. This knowledge can be used to focus future research on higher order aspects of verbal cognition. Finally, these findings highlight the importance of considering non-physical symptoms in the treatment and management of ME/CFS.