Dysexecutive syndrome

Question 1

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in cognition?

Answer 1

Frontal lobes mediate higher cognitive functions, and the coordination and strategic use of other cognitive resources (executive functions)

Question 2

What are three common causes of prefrontal damage?

Answer 2

1. Traumatic brain injury
2. Stroke or rupture of aneurysm
3. Tumor

Question 3

What is utilisation behaviour?

Answer 3

The tendency to grasp common objects when presented and perform the function commonly associated with the object. Indicates lack of appropriateness to the context and impulsivity

Question 4

Summarise the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

Answer 4

Sort cards by number, shape, colour, after 6 cards rule changes and see if patient can figure out rule change
Perseverative errors - if rule was by colour, will continue putting down by colour even when experimenter says now wrong

Question 5

What is involved in the Hayling test?

Answer 5

series of sentences read with last word missing, have to fill in with either correct or unrelated word

Question 6

What is the multiple errands test?

Answer 6

Perform 8 tasks written on cards to be used as reminders during test, pay attention to rules, people with PFCD can’t do, takes a lot longer and inefficient

Question 7

What is the key idea of the supervisory attentional system theory of executive function?

Answer 7

Action is automatic or under attentional control

Question 8

What is the key idea of the somatic marker hypothesis theory of executive function?

Answer 8

Ventromedial prefrontal cortex acts as repository of disposition ally recorded linkages between factual knowledge and bio regulatory states -> necessary to lear associations between given situations and certain emotional states