The cooking task: making a meal of executive functions

Abstract

Current standardized neuropsychological tests may fail to accurately capture real-world executive deficits. We developed a computer-based Cooking Task (CT) assessment of executive functions and trialed the measure with a normative group before use with a head-injured population. Forty-six participants completed the computerized CT and subtests from standardized neuropsychological tasks, including the Tower and Sorting Tests of executive function from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) and the Cambridge prospective memory test (CAMPROMPT), in order to examine whether standardized executive function tasks, predicted performance on measurement indices from the CT. Findings showed that verbal comprehension, rule detection and prospective memory contributed to measures of prospective planning accuracy and strategy implementation of the CT. Results also showed that functions necessary for cooking efficacy differ as an effect of task demands (difficulty levels). Performance on rule detection, strategy implementation and flexible thinking executive function measures contributed to accuracy on the CT. These findings raise questions about the functions captured by present standardized tasks particularly at varying levels of difficulty and during dual-task performance. Our preliminary findings also indicate that CT measures can effectively distinguish between executive function and Full Scale IQ abilities. Results of the present study indicate that the CT shows promise as an ecologically valid measure of executive function for future use with a head-injured population and indexes selective executive function’s captured by standardized tests.

Increased cerebellar gray matter volume in head chefs

“…Recent evidence from neurorehabilitation studies changed the way these kinds of skills are viewed. Indeed, cooking tasks created with a computer-based framework provided a scientifically grounded way to improve executive functions in stroke patients or to stave off cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease [ 1 , 2 ]. A critical factor in the success of this kind of cognitive intervention was the high acceptability, satisfaction and motivation stemming from the idea of cooking a meal.…”

Planning ability impairments in probable Alzheimer's disease patients: Evidence from the Tower of London test

“…Additionally, TOL performance has been associated with instrumental activities of daily living. 23 , 24 Planning ability is thought to be important to "real world" activities, 25 so an executive dysfunction may hinder the performance of simple everyday tasks, such as brushing teeth, cooking, or shopping. 26 …”

Immersive virtual reality methods in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology: the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL), an immersive neuropsychological test battery of everyday cognitive functions

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