Assessment of cognitive functions (attention, praxis, and gnosis) in patients with neurological disorders

Abstract

Objective: To assess cognitive functions - attention, praxis and gnosia - in adults with neurological disorders of brain origin (NNE) and non-brain origin (DNNE). Methodology: Cross-sectional study with a convenience sample from a neurofunctional rehabilitation center. Attention was assessed using the Stroop Test and the letter and number cancellation test. Praxis and gnosis were assessed using specific tests adapted by the researchers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed on the data (p ˂ 0.05) using the SigmaStat 3.1 program. Results: Forty-three patients were evaluated, 58% of whom were women, with a mean age of 53 ± 18 years (minimum: 19 – maximum: 85). There was no significant difference in Stroop Test results (execution time and number of errors) between genders. When considering age, elderly patients (> 65 years) had a longer execution time in Stroop 1 (p = 0.02) and a greater number of errors in Stroop 3 (p = 0.002). Patients with NNE had a longer execution time on Stroop 1 than patients with NNE (p = 0.01). There was no difference in the result of the cancellation test between the ages, gender, or origin of the dysfunction. Regarding praxia and gnosia, the evaluated patients had greater difficulty in performing tasks related to construction (visuospatial function) and changes in spatial recognition. Conclusion: The attention of elderly patients with NNE was more impaired than that of non-elderly patients with NNE. Constructive apraxia and auditory and spatial agnosia were the most prevalent in the evaluated patients.