The neurobiology and neuropsychology of adult learning disorders.

The area of adult learning disabilities is reviewed from a neurobiological and neuropsychological perspective. The seminal contributions of Galaburda's neuroanatomic studies, Duffy's neurophysiologic findings, and recent magnetic resonance imaging studies have illustrated various possible pathophysiologic bases in dyslexia and are reviewed along with other neurobehavioral disorders that may coexist with learning disorders. Neuropsychological assessment methods in evaluating learning disabilities are reviewed and test results in a case of traumatically induced dyslexia are compared to those obtained in three adults with residual developmental dyslexia. The problems associated with treatment of adult learning disorders are discussed in the context of brain plasticity and recovery of function from the perspective of a brain-injury model. Lastly, the basis common to neurologic factors subserving learning disability and emotional dysfunction is explored.