Intellectual ability of adults after lifelong intestinal malabsorption due to coeliac disease.

The intellectual impact of lifelong intestinal malabsorption was examined in a consecutive series of 19 adults (mean age, 48 ± 11 years) with untreated coeliac disease. Using a comprehensive test battery no consistent signs of cognitive impairment were found and in the light of recent observations on coeliacs, aspects of nutritional deficiency may prove more pertinent to other forms of cerebral dysfunction.