Abstract

SOUSA, Susana; RIBEIRO, Olga; HORACIO, José Góis  and  FAISCA, Luís. Executive functions in patients seeking and undergoing bariatric surgery. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.2, pp.389-398. ISSN 1645-0086.

Obesity has been linked to cognitive difficulties in executive functions. This study aims to compare the executive functioning of two groups: 30 obese subjects seeking bariatric surgery and 30 bariatric surgery patients. In order to study the influence of weight on cognition, we compare obese subjects and subjects who had lost weight after surgery. We applied five neuropsychological tests to evaluate different components of executive functioning (Zoo Map test, Trail Making Test, Stroop, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Iowa Gambling Task). The results show no differences between the groups in almost all components. However, both groups performed below their expected level (considering normative data). They both show difficulties in planning, troubleshooting, control/inhibition, cognitive flexibility and decision-making.

Keywords : Obesity; Executive Functions; Bariatric Surgery.

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