Compromised Learning Ability

Abstract

Executive functions are often used interchangeably with the functions of the prefrontal cortex as frontal lobe damage often leads to executive dysfunction.

Executive functioning comprises two complex sets of abilities: The first is planning, working memory and strategy development and implementation. The second set of abilities coordinates cognition and emotion to follow socially acceptable strategies or emotional regulation of behaviour. Executive functions are critical to learning and goal-directed novel or complex behaviour.

The term “executive function” is often used interchangeably with frontal lobe function and, in particular, the prefrontal cortex. Research on patients with frontal lobe impairment indicates difficulty with tasks defined as executive in nature including maintaining self-control, shifting attention, planning, organising, solving problems and making decisions.

Executive functions come into play when a novel or complex problem presents itself or when a routine is disrupted. Think of driving to work every day. In the beginning you had to work out the most efficient way to get to work. You planned and problem-solved until you arrived at the quickest route. Your executive functions mediated this type of problem-solving behaviour which over time became routinised so that you no longer had to think about it.

Now, what happens if you move to the USA or Europe where you drive on the right-hand side of the road rather than the left which you were used to in Australia? Enter your executive functioning to problem-solve how to work a gear shift that was on the wrong side, to work out how to stay on the right-hand side of the road, particularly when you made a left-hand turn where the natural inclination would be to move to the left-hand side of the road.