Impact of Meningitis on Cognitive Functions in Children Aged 6 to 12 in Kenitra, Morocco: Neuropsychological Assessment and Long-Term Consequences

Meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges often caused by bacterial or viral infections, can lead to significant neurocognitive sequelae in children, even after adequate treatment. This study aims to assess the medium- and long-term neurocognitive influences in children who have recovered from meningitis, focusing on memory, attention, executive functions, and academic performance. The study involved 100 children aged 6 to 12 who had recovered from confirmed bacterial or viral meningitis within the last three years. Neurocognitive assessments were conducted using the fifth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V). To complement these measures, parental questionnaires were used to obtain information on children's behavioral, emotional, and academic functioning. The study highlighted significant neurocognitive challenges in children recovering from meningitis, with working memory being a notable area of concern. Specifically, 40% of participants showed moderate to severe deficits, as identified through WISC-V assessments. Attention: 30% of children exhibited a reduced attention span, which affected their ability to concentrate on tasks. Executive functions: Half of the cohort suffered from disorders affecting planning and cognitive flexibility, which are essential for problem-solving and adaptation. School performance: Children with prolonged hospitalizations (more than 10 days), particularly those following bacterial meningitis, demonstrated significantly lower performance in math and reading, underscoring the long-term educational impact of severe cases. Personalized rehabilitation programs and increased awareness are essential to mitigating long-term consequences. In resource-limited contexts, such as Morocco, strengthening follow-up infrastructure and vaccination campaigns is crucial for improving the quality of life and educational outcomes for affected children.