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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
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Executive dysfunction, brain aging, and political leadership
Mark Fisher1, David L Franklin, Jerrold M Post
1Department of Neurology and Political Science University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697, mfisher@uci.edu.
Summary
Executive function, crucial for decision-making and leadership, declines with age due to brain changes. Many leaders over 65 may have impaired executive function, impacting their capacity for sound judgment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Political Science
Background:
- Decision-making is a key executive function vital for political leadership.
- The prefrontal cortex, white matter tracts, and subcortical structures are critical for executive function.
- Executive function declines significantly after age 60, linked to age-related brain changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of age-related executive function decline on political leadership.
- To highlight the selective nature of cognitive deterioration in aging leaders.
- To underscore the importance of recognizing executive dysfunction in political decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroanatomic localization studies on executive function.
- Analysis of age-related changes in brain structure and cognitive function.
- Case illustration of a political leader with executive dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Age-related executive function decline is selective, often sparing language and memory.
- Aging leaders may retain basic cognitive skills but lack decision-making capacity.
- Neurodegenerative conditions can cause executive dysfunction in leaders.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of political leaders over 65 likely have executive function impairment.
- Subtle executive dysfunction in leaders can have profound consequences.
- Advanced neuroimaging may reveal the prevalence of executive dysfunction in aging leaders.
Keywords:
Executive functionbrain agingcerebral microbleedsfrontal lobeprefrontal cortexpresidential disabilityMore Related Videos
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