New Tests to Measure Executive Function in the Neurologically Impaired

When hearing the term "executive function," we might conjure up an image of a CEO behind a big desk, doing her daily routine. These daily tasks - or executive functions - involved in her routine rely upon the cognitive abilities neurologists call executive function. Some of these functions include making decisions, multitasking and coming up with creative solutions to problems. While often taken for granted, these functions are necessary for carrying out our daily lives. However, people with certain illnesses and conditions, particularly those that involve neurological function, may have deficits in these areas. Recognizing the need to have accurate, standard measurements for executive function (EF), the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has awarded a five-year contract to UCSF's Neurology department to help in this endeavor. The goal is to develop an innovative neuropsychological battery of tests that could be used by clinicians all over the country to help measure executive function in a wide variety of conditions. The group taking on this task is led by Memory and Aging Center neuropsychologist Joel Kramer, PsyD. "Researchers who study aging have had a pretty good handle on measuring memory loss," Kramer said. "But executive function is less well defined and may have more importance in our ability to carry out day-to-day activities." Kramer, along with other faculty, staff and an advisory panel that includes experts from around the country, has taken on the challenge to develop this battery that will not only benefit clinicians as they treat patients, but will also help researchers as they design clinical trials. The tests will be standardized and used to measure executive function in patients with a variety of illnesses and conditions, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Parkinson's and dementia. The tests will be adaptable across a wide range of ages and disorders, and will be translated into Spanish. "This will be an industry standard that will be available to any researcher," Kramer said. And because of advances in technology, the tests may be computer-based, allowing for accurate measures of reaction times in attention and working-memory tasks. "Being able to more reliably diagnose EF deficits may greatly influence quality of life for both patients and their caregivers," Kramer concluded.