The dysexecutive syndromes.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the dysexecutive syndromes, underlying processing deficits, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and treatment strategies. Dysexecutive syndromes can develop for numerous reasons. The common factor underlying all dysexecutive syndromes are damage to or disruption of frontal networks (frontal cortex and its connections). Neurodegenerative diseases, CNS infections, traumatic brain injury, neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that emerge in childhood are few factors that give rise to dysexecutive syndromes. Clinical assessment of executive functions is also described in the chapter. There are pharmacological and behavioral strategies to help individuals with dysexecutive functioning. Executive functions are among the most valued components of being human. When executive functions fail, the cost to individuals and those who care for them can be extraordinary. There seems to be an increase in growth of clinical assessment tools, diagnostic procedures, and environmental and pharmacological strategies to manage executive dysfunction.