Abstract
Although the main initial deficit is considered to be in the memory domain, an early impairment of executive functions is also found in AD where these deficits are correlated to functional impairment. Ecological tests are more indicated to evaluate executive impairment, and are better able to assist in treating AD patients than more commonly used tests.ObjectivesThe aim of this preliminary study is to verify the performance in executive functions using the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) in elder controls and mild AD patients, and to analyze its applicability in our environment.MethodsThe BADS was performed by 17 healthy elders and 17 early AD patients matched for age, schooling and gender.ResultsThere were significant differences among controls and AD patients on MMSE scores, and in measures of executive functions, memory, and motor speed. Some sub items of BADS (rule shift cards, modified six elements, total score, standard, standard by age and overall classification by age) were also different between groups. Differences were also significant on the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) of BADS self-ratings and other-ratings.ConclusionBADS was efficacious in detecting executive deficits in this sample, as confirmed by other executive functions tests applied.
Highlights
The main initial deficit is considered to be in the memory domain, an early impairment of executive functions[4,5] is found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and these deficits are correlated to functional impairment.[5,6,7]
Participants We evaluated 17 probable mild AD patients according to criteria of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS-ADRDA)[12] who were followed in a specialized outpatient clinic of Hospital Santa Marcelina and Hospital São Paulo
Controls and patients differed on executive functions tests for: verbal fluency, Trail making test (TMT) B and digit span backwards, showing impairment in shifting ability and inhibitory control in mild phases of AD
Summary
The main initial deficit is considered to be in the memory domain, an early impairment of executive functions is found in AD where these deficits are correlated to functional impairment. Objectives: The aim of this preliminary study is to verify the performance in executive functions using the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) in elder controls and mild AD patients, and to analyze its applicability in our environment. Bateria de avaliação da síndrome disexecutiva em idosos controles e em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA) em fase inicial: estudo preliminar Resumo – Embora o principal déficit inicial seja a memória, existe também um prejuízo nas funções executivas na DA desde as fases leves e estes estão correlacionados com prejuízo funcional. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo preliminar é verificar o desempenho nas funções executivas usando a Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome - BADS em idosos saudáveis e pacientes com DA provável em fase inicial e a aplicabilidade desta bateria ecológica em nosso meio. It is possible that executive impairments may not be present in all AD patients, due to neuropathological and clinical heterogeneity.[10]
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