NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND THE DECLINE OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN ADULTS AND THE ELDERLY

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the main neurological conditions associated with the decline of executive functions in adults and the elderly, with an emphasis on characteristic neuropsychological signs and symptoms. It is an integrative literature review, with a systematic search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases, including articles published between 2015 and 2025. The results demonstrated that dementia syndromes (Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia), cerebrovascular diseases (stroke and small vessel disease), and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease) represent the most prevalent conditions associated with executive impairment. Distinct neuropsychological patterns were identified: in Alzheimer's disease, deficits in complex tasks predominate; in frontotemporal dementia, disinhibition and judgment impairment stand out; in stroke, focal deficits are observed according to the lesion location; and in Parkinson's disease, bradyphrenia and difficulty switching between tasks predominate. In conclusion, early recognition of these patterns is fundamental for differential diagnosis, intervention planning, and preservation of functionality, contributing to improved quality of care in neuropsychology.