The differential contribution of immediate memory and executive functions in age‐related neurocognitive disorders

Background Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (NPA) has proven to be a diagnostic and monitoring procedure that contributes the understanding of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). Despite memory deficits being considered as hallmarks age-related cognitive decline, executive impairment emerged strongest correlate functional dependence characterizes major NCD. Hence, present study aims to: (1) examine predictors NCD; (2) compare between indices immediate functions involved in decline. Method Out dataset 179 (Mage = 75±5.43; women 96) elderly outpatients, 97 individuals 76±5.72; 51) met DSM-5 criteria for NCD they presented at least one domain and, case NCD, impact on activities daily living. The sample underwent NPA consisting two-screening procedure; ten domain-specific tests; psychodiagnostic-functional evaluation. Analyses relied multivariate non-parametric tests differential clinical profiles tools, respectively. Result A prior analysis using Hosmer-Lemeshow test confirmed goodness model (χ2 -4,771; p .782) (diagnostic labels: vs. mild NCDs). final obtained could correctly predict 71% cases. Logistic regression through backward elimination revealed lower scores Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), greater chances fitting (vs. NCD) (B -.284; .006). Friedman enabled multiple comparisons within whole sample, by considering groups separately, with respect (FCSRT-ISC Babcock Story-IR) (Clock Drawing Test Digit Span Backwards). analyses showed significant difference ranks only group Bonferroni correction 8.813, .032), revealing drop Clock than Story-IR -.906, .030). Conclusion These preliminary findings point importance considering, besides indices, performances patients affected severe cognitive-functional impairment, consistent potential implications planning difficulties progressive loss everyday life autonomy. Screening functioning may also enhance about course from disease, thus orienting clinicians diagnosis, secondary prevention, treatment NCDs.