Executive dysfunction

Thumbnail The term "executive function" includes the ability to filter interference, engage in goaldirected behaviors, anticipate the consequences of one's actions, and to exhibit the adaptive concept of mental flexibility. The analysis of executive functions represents one of the most important research areas in contemporary neurosciences. It is partially—but not totally— related to frontal lobe activity. Executive disorders have been documented in a diversity of conditions. Executive defects early in dementia predict subsequent behavior disturbances, functional decline, and mortality. In elders, intellectual tasks and everyday activity programs may benefit executive function abilities.