Executive function and quality of life in individuals with Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects skeletal, ocular, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. Psychological and physiologic symptoms may lead to diminished quality of life (QoL) in individuals with MFS compared with healthy individuals. Currently, there is little evidence regarding the impact of MFS on executive function and QoL. This study examined perceptions of executive function and QoL among persons with MFS.

A total of 318 participants with MFS completed surveys assessing perceptions of executive function abilities and QoL. Responses to executive function questions were grouped using principle component analysis. Responses to QoL questions were separated into overall QoL, questions dealing with satisfaction of QoL, and importance placed on aspect of QoL.

Principle component analysis revealed that executive function difficulties, particularly mental fatigue, associated with MFS symptoms affect QoL satisfaction and total QoL. Interestingly, medication status did not significantly impact QoL, over and above executive function difficulties.

The findings of the current study suggest that individuals with MFS may experience specific executive function difficulties which impact QoL. These findings also have implications for clinicians who work with individuals with MFS.