https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7633-1277
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Abstract
Objectives
Understated executive dysfunction (UED) is predictive of cognitive decline and death. We aimed to assess the prevalence of UED, assessed with the clock-drawing test (CDT) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) in middle-aged adults and to investigate associated characteristics.
Methods
Cross-sectional analysis of data on 516 community-dwellers aged 50-65, lacking cognitive complaints, who were included prospectively (2010-2017) after a multidimensional geriatric assessment at a “healthy ageing” outpatient clinic. Age- and educational-level-adjusted logistic models were used to assess factors associated with UED.
Results
The CDT and FAB were impaired in 27.7% and 14.7% of the participants (median age: 59.7 years). The prevalence [95% confidence interval (CI)] of UED was 36.2% [32.2-40.5%]. After adjustment for age and education, participants with UED were more likely to be obese (odds ratio [95%CI] = 1.89 [1.12-3.19], P = 0.02), and to have a metabolic syndrome (1.98 [1.06-3.72], P = 0.03).
Conclusion
More than one third of middle-aged adults without cognitive complaints have UED, which was linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Cognitive screening tests targeting executive functions might be useful for early detection of UED and the initiation of multidomain interventions improving cognitive performance.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank David Fraser (Biotech Communication SARL, Ploudalmézeau, France) for editorial assistance. All authors read and approved the final version.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.
Data Availability
The datasets analyzed during the current study are not publicly available because they are the property of Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris. Any individual may apply for data by contacting the Direction de la Recherche Clinique et de l’Innovation (DRCI) at [email protected].