Materia 06.indd

Although the main initial defi cit is considered to be in the memory domain, an early impairment of executive functions is also found in AD where these defi cits 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. 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. Methods: The BADS was performed by 17 healthy elders and 17 early AD patients matched for age, schooling and gender. Results: There were signifi cant 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, modifi ed six elements, total score, standard, standard by age and overall classifi cation by age) were also different between groups. Differences were also signifi cant on the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) of BADS self-ratings and other-ratings. Conclusion: BADS was effi cacious in detecting executive defi cits in this sample, as confi rmed by other executive functions tests applied.