Influence d'un déficit des fonctions exécutives sur les capacités de communication dans la maladie d'Alzheimer

This study investigated the links between executive dysfunction and communication disorders in Alzheimer's disease. Sixteen patients living in a nursing home (EHPAD) agreed to participate in the research. All subjects scored between 10 and 20 on the MMSE and the scores for the DO 80 were within the standard (±2 S.D.). Communication skills were assessed by the GECCO (Grid Assessment Capabilities Communication); Frontal Assessment Battery at Bedside (FAB) was used to measure executive function. The results suggest that inhibitory deficit is correlated with lack of global coherence of the discourse and lack of feed-back to the interlocutor. It also appears that lack of rhematic progress and feed-back to the situation is related to flexibility impairment. In conclusion, the preservation of executive functions is an important factor for maintaining an effective communication. Their early stimulation could help delay the onset of communicative disorders.