| Abstract: | Summarizes the current state of knowledge of prefrontal lobe functions as derived from studies and observations of adult humans following frontal lobe damage. Following an overview of the neuroanatomy and neuropathology, frontal lobe activities are presented under the following headings: motor functions; sensory, perception, and construction functions; attention; abnormal awareness; flexibility–perseveration; language; memory; cognition; personality; localization; and hemispheric activity. Six specific prefrontal functions are suggested as the principal disorders underlying many if not all of the described manifestations. Thus, prefrontal damage can (1) separate action from knowledge, (2) impair the ability to handle sequential behaviors, (3) impair the ability to establish or change a set, (4) impair the ability to maintain a set, (5) impair the ability to monitor personal behavior, and (6) produce attitudes of apathy. (5? p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
