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Comparison of Executive Functions and Brain-Behavioral Systems in Older Adults with High and Low General Health
Bahare Bitaraf Ardekani *1 , Mahdieh Azizi2 , Farangis Demehri2
1- Yazd University of Science and Art , baharebitaraff@gmail.com
2- Yazd University of Science and Art
Abstract:   (250 Views)
This study aimed to compare executive functions and brain-behavioral systems in older adults with high and low general health. This research was causal-comparative type. The study population included all elderly individuals aged 59 years and above residing in Yazd city. A sample of 100 elderly individuals was selected using convenience sampling and based on the scores from the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Hillier, 1979), 30 individuals with high general health and 30 individuals with low general health were chosen. Subsequently, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Grant & Berg, 1948) and the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems Questionnaire (Carver & White, 1994) were administered to both groups. Statistical analyses using SPSS 24 revealed significant differences in executive functions between elderly individuals with high and low general health. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the inhibition and activation systems between the two groups. The results indicate that general health in older adults is significantly associated with their executive functions and brain-behavioral systems. Older adults with higher general health demonstrated better executive abilities, such as planning, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving, as well as more effective behavioral inhibition and activation systems. This suggests that general health status can influence brain function and related behaviors, implying that better general health is associated with improved cognitive performance and behavioral control. Therefore, general health plays a critical role in determining the quality of brain and behavioral functions in older adults.
Keywords: Executive functions, Brain-behavioral systems, Elderly
     
Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2024/05/1 | Revised: 2024/12/10 | Accepted: 2025/03/1 | ePublished ahead of print: 2025/04/24
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