[Executive function deficits following stroke]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cognitive Science
• Neurorehabilitation

Background:

• Executive function deficit is a cognitive impairment affecting goal-directed behavior.
• This deficit often goes undiagnosed in stroke survivors.
• It is frequently associated with emotional instability and depression post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the prevalence and impact of executive function deficits following stroke.
• To highlight diagnostic methods and treatment approaches for executive function deficits.

Main Methods:

• Literature search using terms 'Stroke' and 'Executive function' in Cochrane Library and PubMed.
• Inclusion of authors' clinical experience.

Main Results:

• Executive function deficits are common in stroke, increasing risks of dependency and mortality.
• Diagnosis involves patient history, observation, and cognitive testing.
• These deficits can occur with subclinical cerebral ischemia and other neurological conditions like Parkinson's and dementia.
• Executive function relies on the prefrontal cortex and subcortical circuits, but deficits can arise from lesions in various brain areas.

Conclusions:

• Executive function deficits are prevalent in stroke-related cognitive impairment and influence prognosis.
• Systematic assessment and intervention strategies for executive function deficits are necessary.