executive function

Question 1

What is executive function

Answer 1

using attention, memory and problem-solving to organise purposeful behaviour

Question 2

What does Executive Function involve

Answer 2

1. Initiating intentional behavoiur
2. planning behavioural routines to accomplish intentions
3. Maintaining goal-directed behaviour
4. Modifying behaviour in response to situational variables

Question 3

Concepts related to executive function

Answer 3

Being able to:
Inhibit responses (like not shout at someone you disagree with)
Use working memory in hindsight
Flexible and take a different approach

Question 4

Name some of the frontal lobe functions

Answer 4

Attention
Memory
Motor function
Executive function
Impulse control
Flexibility

Question 5

What causes executive function to be impaired
What is the name of the impairment

Answer 5

Damage to frontal lobes - through traumatic brain injury (TBI) - referred to as Dysexecutive Syndrome

Question 6

Symptoms of dysexecutive syndrome

Answer 6

Individual variety but..
1. Difficulty carrying out daily activities
2. Socially inappropriate behaviours e.g. laughing in wrong moments
3. unable to formulate goals and planning

Question 7

Name the standardised formal assessments for executive dysfunction

Answer 7

Wisconsin card sorting task
Behavrioal Assement of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS)

Question 8

Describe the Wisconsin card sorting task

Answer 8

You either match a card based on shape, colour or number but don’t know which.
Uses working mem to figure out which rule works
Keep attending - remembering which rule is currently working and which you’ve already had
You have to be flexible when the rule changes

Question 9

Describe Behavioural Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome

Answer 9

There are 6 subtests. Most are timed, and all are scored and compared to the norm.
Tasks include rule shift cards, temporal judgment (ask how long dentist takes), dysexecutive syndrome questionnaire (self rating)

Question 10

Why do some people with dysexecutive dysfunction not struggle on formal assessments

Answer 10

The assessments occur in a quiet and controlled environment, so is not demanding like in real life in terms of time pressure, distractions and the requirement to be flexible.

Question 11

What is the name of the ‘functional assessment’ for assessing executive function

Answer 11

Multiple errands task (MET)

Question 12

Describe the multiple errands test

Answer 12

Client will be given a list of things to buy from a shop
Asked to find out about current facts e.g. whats todays exchange rate
Meet the assessor 20 mins in and tell them the time

Question 13

why is the MET potentially better

Answer 13

The environment is not controlled
Gives data on skills that can’t be seen in ‘clinical situations’ - unforeseen circumstances

Question 14

what are the two types of assessment for assessing executive function

Answer 14

Standardised Formal Assessments (Wisconsin and BADs)
Functional Assessments (MET)