Research Article 2026-04-23 under-review v1

Executive impairment and informant-reported inhibition discrepancy in subjective cognitive complaints: comparative findings and neuropsychological care protocol proposal

F
Felipe Webster-Cordero Autonomous University of Barcelona
L
Lydia Giménez-Llort Autonomous University of Barcelona

Abstract

The presence of subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) in older adults, especially at the executive level, is a major reason for consultation in clinical practice. These changes, though often subtle, may result from various factors but could also signal underlying neurocognitive conditions, making early detection and intervention crucial. This study aimed to assess executive and emotional performance, to assess both the subject’s and the informant’s perceptions of cognitive complaints, and to develop a clinical care protocol for individuals attending neuropsychological consultations due to SCC. Seven neuropsychological tests (FSCRT, SDMT, INECO Frontal Screening, CF-7MS, Tower of London, BRIEF-A, Beck tests) were administered to 40 older adults: 20 clinical subjects (mean age: 71.8 ± 5.0) and 20 controls (mean age: 66.8 ± 4.0), including both sexes. Results showed a significant difference in overall executive performance between the clinical and control groups across sustained attention, memory recall, planning, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed, with the clinical group performing worse and, most importanly, exhibiting clinically significant scores. In comparing the subject’s and informant’s reports of cognitive complaints, agreement was found in all dimensions except Inhibition, where a notable discrepancy emerged: informants reported worse performance. No differences in emotion were observed between groups. Based on these findings, a clinical protocol centered on executive assessment is proposed, encompassing multiple cognitive domains, emotional questionnaires, self- and informant-reported complaints, functioning, and clinical-cognitive semiology. In conclusion, executive deficits may be present in patients with SCC, and executive assessment is a valuable tool for detecting possible prodromal neurocognitive changes. Implementing systematized protocols in clinical neuropsychological practice can strengthen primary health care, though future research should aim for a more established consensus.

Citation Information

@article{felipewebstercordero2026,
  title={Executive impairment and informant-reported inhibition discrepancy in subjective cognitive complaints: comparative findings and neuropsychological care protocol proposal},
  author={Felipe Webster-Cordero and Lydia Giménez-Llort},
  journal={BMC Neurology},
  year={2026},
  doi={https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9059640/v1}
}
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