Comparison of EXIT-25 and the Frontal Assessment Battery for evaluation of executive dysfunction in patients attending a memory clinic

Abstract

Background/aims: The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the EXIT-25 have emerged as 2 widely used screening instruments for executive dysfunction, but their screening properties have not been evaluated in a head-to-head comparison.

Methods: Prospective cohort study of 92 individuals presenting for cognitive assessment at a community hospital.

Results: The EXIT-25 took longer than the FAB to complete (mean difference = 9.27 min, 95% CI: 9.86-8.68). EXIT-25 and FAB scores showed significant correlation (Spearman's r = -0.79, p < 0.001) with one another, and each showed acceptable convergent validity and divergent validity.

Conclusions: The 2 tests provide similar information about the presence of executive dysfunction. The FAB takes less time to complete, and appears to be less frustrating for patients, making it more feasible as a screening test for executive dysfunction in a memory clinic setting.