title: Executive functions and the frontal lobes: a conceptual view.
abstract: Several problems in understanding executive functions and their relationships to the frontal lobes are discussed. Data are then presented from several of our studies to support the following statements: (1) the examination of patients with focal frontal lobe lesions is a necessary first step in defining the relation of executive functions to the frontal lobes; (2) there is no unitary executive function. Rather, distinct processes related to the frontal lobes can be differentiated which converge on a general concept of control functions; (3) a simple control-automatic distinction is inadequate to explain the complexity of control-automatic processes; (4) the distinction between complex and simple tasks cannot explain the differences in functions between the frontal lobes and other brain regions; and (5) the most important role of the frontal lobes may be for affective responsiveness, social and personality development, and self-awareness and unconsciousness.
authors.affiliation: Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. rotman@rotman-baycrest.on.ca
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Stuss
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*