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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

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Executive functions in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review on motor and cognitive

Angela Guarino1, Giuseppe Forte1, Jasmine Giovannoli1

  • 1Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

Aging & Mental Health
|April 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This review found that individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) exhibit deficits across various executive functions (EFs), including inhibition, conflict control, and cognitive flexibility. These findings highlight the importance of assessing EFs for better diagnosis and treatment of MCI.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is characterized by cognitive decline not affecting daily functions.
  • While memory deficits in MCI are well-documented, executive function (EF) deficits remain less understood.
  • Executive functions encompass inhibition, conflict control, and cognitive flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and evaluate executive functions in patients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
  • To assess specific EFs: inhibition (motor and cognitive), conflict control, and cognitive flexibility.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of studies indexed in PUBMED, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and MEDLINE.
  • Included studies utilized specific EF assessment paradigms: Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Task, Go/No-Go Task, and Flanker Task.
  • Eligibility criteria included participants over 65, English publications, and exclusion of dementia, psychiatric disorders, stroke, or cranial trauma.

Main Results:

  • Fifty-five studies were selected for review.
  • The Stroop Task was used in 30 studies, WCST in 14, Go/No-Go in 9, and Flanker Task in 2.
  • Results consistently demonstrated deficits in all evaluated executive functions among individuals with MCI.

Conclusions:

  • The reviewed experimental tasks are suitable for studying EFs in MCI populations.
  • These EF assessments are valuable for research, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions in MCI.
  • Evaluating EFs provides a more comprehensive understanding of MCI, aiding diagnosis and treatment, especially as these functions impact daily life.
Keywords:
Executive functionsFlanker TaskGo/No-Go TaskStroop TaskWisconsin Card Sorting Testmild cognitive impairment

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