The most frequently used tests for assessing executive functions in aging

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Psychology

Background:

• Executive functions are crucial for older adults' daily functioning.
• Numerous neuropsychological tests exist, but their usage varies.
• Understanding frequently used tests is vital for consistent research and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify the most frequently used instruments for assessing executive functions in older adults.
• To analyze these instruments in the context of varying educational levels within clinical and experimental research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted on the PubMed database.
• Included articles published within the last five years.
• Search terms included "neuropsychological tests", "executive functions", and "mild cognitive impairment".

Main Results:

• 25 articles met the inclusion criteria.
• The seven most frequent tests were: Trail Making Test (TMT) Form B, Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) (F, A, S, Animals), Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Digits Forward and Backward, Stroop Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).
• Key executive function domains assessed included mental flexibility, verbal fluency, planning, working memory, and inhibitory control.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the most utilized neuropsychological tests and executive function domains for older adults in recent global research.
• These findings can guide future research and inform the development of evaluation protocols tailored to diverse older adult populations.
• Consideration of educational levels and socio-demographic factors is recommended for comprehensive assessment.