Background

We examined the sensitivity of different executive function measures for detecting deficits in Parkinson's disease patients without dementia.

Methods

Twenty-one non-demented PD subjects and 21 neurologically healthy controls were administered widely used clinical executive functioning measures as well as the NIH EXAMINER battery, which produces Cognitive Control, Working Memory, and Verbal Fluency scores, along with an overall Executive Composite score, using psychometrically matched scales.

Results

No significant differences between groups were observed on widely used clinical measures. The PD patients scored lower than controls on the EXAMINER Executive Composite, Cognitive Control, and Working Memory Scores.

Conclusions

The NIH EXAMINER Executive Composite and Cognitive Control Scores are sensitive measures of executive dysfunction in non-demented PD, and may be more sensitive than several widely used measures. Results highlight the importance of careful test selection when evaluating for mild cognitive impairment in PD.