From the Guidelines
Cognitive functions include attention, processing speed, executive function, memory, language, and visuospatial abilities. These domains can be impacted individually or in combination with other domains, and are essential for planning, focusing attention, holding and manipulating information, and shifting from one task to another 1.
Key Cognitive Domains
- Attention: includes sustained, focused, and divided attention, attention switching, and neglect 1
- Processing Speed: the ability to quickly and accurately process information 1
- Executive Function: includes initiation, inhibition, shifting, insight, planning and organization, judgment, problem solving, abstract reasoning, and social cognition 1
- Memory: includes working memory, short-term memory span, and long-term memory 1
- Language: includes receptive, expressive, and repetition language abilities, as well as spoken word retrieval and reading comprehension 1
- Visuospatial Abilities: includes perceptual and constructional visual-spatial abilities, such as visual fields and neglect 1 In-depth neuropsychological assessments may include evaluation of these diverse range of cognitive domains, and should not be limited to the domains in which the individual or informant reports changes 1. Specific areas that should be included in this type of assessment include processing speed, simple attention and complex attention, receptive, expressive, and repetition language abilities, praxis, perceptual and constructional visual-spatial abilities, memory, and executive functioning 1.
From the Research
Definition of Cognitive Functions
Cognitive functions refer to the mental processes that enable humans to acquire, process, and utilize information from the environment, including perception, attention, memory, reasoning, learning, and problem-solving 2. These functions are essential for adapting to the world and are characterized by various stages of development, from infancy to adulthood.
Types of Cognitive Functions
There are several types of cognitive functions, including:
- Basic cognitive functions, such as processing speed and distractibility 3
- Complex cognitive functions, such as working memory, planning, cognitive flexibility, and memory functions 3
- Executive functions, including high-order cognitive abilities such as working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, planning, reasoning, and problem-solving 4
Assessment of Cognitive Functions
Cognitive functions can be assessed using various neuropsychological tests, such as:
- The Vienna Test System (Cognitron, SIGNAL, RT, VIGIL, DAUF) 2
- The Continuous Performance Test (CPT) 2
- The Free Recall test 2
- The Vigilance and Sustained Attention, Selective Attention, N-Back, Tower of London, Trail Making Test, Word Fluency, and Verbal Learning and Memory tests 3
Domains of Cognition
Cognitive performance can be conceptualized in terms of domains of functioning, which are hierarchical in nature, with basic sensory and perceptual processes at the bottom and executive functioning and cognitive control at the top 5. These domains include:
- Basic sensory and perceptual processes
- Executive functioning and cognitive control
- Memory and learning
- Attention and processing speed
Importance of Cognitive Functions
Cognitive functions are critical for unique human abilities, such as achieving goals, adapting to novel situations, and managing social interactions 4. Disturbances in cognitive functions can indicate psychopathological changes and are a symptom enabling diagnosis of various disorders 2.