Executive functions in cognitive neuroscience, Other Subject

Assignment Help:
Executive functions refer to a range of higher-order cognitive functions that enable organized and goal-directed behavior. Problems manifested by two exemplary brain damaged patients help illustrate the role executive functions play in cognition and everyday life. The first example is patient A, who suffers brain damage in a traffic accident. In the hospital he seems to recover well. He is able to perform relatively well in standard intelligence quotient tests as well as in other tests that are used in clinical neuropsyhological examination, such as tests for memory and attention. Surprising problems emerge, however, during the weeks following release from hospital. Relatives soon begin to complain that the patient’s behavior seems impulsive and erratic, selling his luxurious home for few thousands, forgetting to pay items that he takes from the store, and ending up in quarrels with his friends and neighbours.


Another exemplary patient, here called patient B, suffers a stroke. After initial recovery he too shows surprisingly intact performance in standard clinical neuropsychological tests. It does not, however, take long before his relatives start complaining about what they describe as apathy and lack of initiative exhibited by the patient at home. He fails to initiate and carry through any behaviors on his own. However, if instructed and supervised through a sequence of behaviors such as preparing and eating breakfast he carries out the tasks without major problems. What these exemplary patient cases have in common is that both exhibit problems in executive functions that often follow from damage to the frontal lobes of the brain, especially to prefrontal cortical areas. Findings pertaining to this will be described in the following.

Related Discussions:- Executive functions in cognitive neuroscience

Competition can tame leviathan behaviour-discuss, Problem 1: With globa...

Problem 1: With globalisation, there is a need for sustainable local governments. Justify your answer. Problem 2: Competition can tame leviathan behaviour. Discuss.

Requirement of overtaking - traffic congestion, Requirement of Overtaking -...

Requirement of Overtaking - Traffic Congestion Most roads and many streets are considered to qualify as two-lane, two way highways on which vehicle frequently slower moving

Emport export, What is the need for documents in international business? Su...

What is the need for documents in international business? Substantiate your answers with suitable examples.

Examine the role of the community, (a) How far can schools institutionalis...

(a) How far can schools institutionalise local action through transformational empowerment and social cohesion and help low attaining schools in socially disadvantaged areas? Give

Write a long note on the direction of light, Question 1 Write a long note ...

Question 1 Write a long note on the direction of light, describing direct and indirect light, frontal lighting, side lighting and back lighting Question 2 Write a long not

What is meant by government relations, Question 1 What is the meaning of '...

Question 1 What is the meaning of 'publicity'? How does it differ from 'PR'? Explain Question 2 What is meant by Government relations? Explain Question 3 Write a long no

Post-feminism, Post-feminism: Post-feminism describes a range of viewpoint...

Post-feminism: Post-feminism describes a range of viewpoints reacting to feminism. While not being "anti-feminist," post-feminists believe that women have achieved second wave goa

Meteorology vs. climatology, Meteorology vs. Climatology: Meteorology and ...

Meteorology vs. Climatology: Meteorology and Climatology are two terms that seem to have the same meaning but strictly speaking there is difference between the two terms. Climatol

Ethical principles of social care counsellors, Question 1: "Substance a...

Question 1: "Substance abuse counsellors advise people who have alcoholism or other types of addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioural problems. They provide treatment

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd