- Symptoms of dysexecutive syndrome
- -Communication problems
- -Cognitive deficits
- Memory problems
- Executive functions
- -Behavioral changes
- -Changes in sleep patterns
- References
The dysexecutive syndrome is a set of symptoms -communication problems, communication, cognitive and behavioral deficits, changes in sleep patterns- that arise from alterations in the executive functions of the brain.
The severity of the dysfunctions varies greatly depending on the etiology of the problem and individual characteristics, such as previous personality, experiences, and intellectual or cultural level.
The executive functions allow us to manage the problems and the tasks that we must perform, which include understanding and evaluating our strengths and weaknesses, planning the actions to be carried out and maintaining attention to perform them, and evaluating the entire procedure to change the patterns of behavior. behavior that didn't work.
Executive functions can be impaired or lost if the brain suffers any damage, as a result of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's or other dementias, or after repeated exposure to toxic substances, such as drugs, chemicals or heavy metals.
Symptoms of dysexecutive syndrome
Symptoms of dysexecutive syndrome include communication problems, cognitive deficits (especially in memory and executive functions), behavioral changes (with egocentric, irritable, compulsive and / or obsessive behavior) and changes in sleep patterns.
-Communication problems
Having a conversation with a person who suffers from dysexecutive syndrome is often difficult due to the cognitive and behavioral deficits that he suffers. Patients speak out of their own interests without regard for those of others and often respond rudely or hurtfully without caring what the other person might feel.
Therefore, the people around him begin to avoid them and become isolated. Family members and caregivers must be very patient and never think that they are doing it wantingly or willingly. Keep in mind that they cannot help it and are not really aware that someone may be offended by their comments.
The appropriate thing would be to correct their behavior, but without getting angry or taking it personally, always to help them and improve the situation.
-Cognitive deficits
The main cognitive deficits sn:
Memory problems
When the dysexecutive syndrome occurs as a consequence of a neurodegenerative disease, it often causes deficits in the patient's memory. These deficits are very mild at first and the person identifies them as lapses, but there comes a point when they realize they have too many.
Sometimes they do not remember where they have put things and they distrust others because they believe they have stolen from them, this causes disputes and further deteriorates their relationship with others.
As the disease progresses, memory problems worsen, especially those related to recent events, creating confusion in the person and, finally, making them not even aware that they have a disease.
Executive functions
Executive functions are the ones that are most affected in this syndrome. The person is unable to effectively assess the situation and their abilities to manage it correctly. This causes him serious problems in carrying out daily tasks such as shopping, cooking or taking public transport.
In addition, they are unmotivated and seem to have lost interest in doing any type of activity that they previously liked, such as a hobby.
-Behavioral changes
Executive dysfunction makes people unable to control their behavior so they present aggressive, egocentric and impulsive behaviors.
It is normal for them to react aggressively to any stimulus that they found aversive, even if there was no intention of provoking or damaging it. An example may be that when you pass the ball to him, he does not get to catch it and that it hits him in the body.
They tend to do what they please at the time, without thinking if that behavior could harm someone or if it is appropriate in that situation, such as getting up and speaking out in the middle of a play.
They also tend to have obsessions and impulses, which can be complex or simple. If the syndrome is caused by a neurodegenerative disease, they usually start out being complex, such as wanting to eat the same thing every day or going for a walk for hours, but little by little they become simpler and can end up being automatic, such as repeatedly moving the arms.
These behavioral problems worsen as memory deficits increase, as they are irritated by not recognizing their caregivers and family members. They may feel violent if they try to wash or undress them. Something totally understandable, since imagine that someone you do not know tries to undress you, you would not be very funny, right?
-Changes in sleep patterns
People who suffer from a dysexecutive syndrome, as a consequence of a neurodegenerative or psychiatric disease, usually present changes in sleep patterns characterized by daytime sleepiness and nocturnal insomnia.
It is usual for patients to get up at night and start wandering around the house without a fixed direction. They even get dressed and try to leave the house, so it is very important to close the door well and not leave them at hand to avoid getting lost on the street.
It is also very common for them to wake up in the middle of the night believing that it is time to get up and that they intend to start the day at 3 or 4 in the morning, having breakfast, calling on the phone, etc.
References
- Aged Services, Royal Hobart Hospita. (sf). Dysexecutive Syndrome. Dealing with day-to-day decision making. Information for Patients and Carers. Retrieved June 6, 2016, from the Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmanian Government Hanna-Pladdy, B. (2007). Dysexecutive syndromes in neurologic disease. J Neurol Phys Ther., 31 (3), 119-27.