Development of a Neuropsychological Test to Evaluate Cognitive Flexibility

[Background] Cognitive flexibility is also referred to as set-shifting and is considered to be an important activity of the frontal lobe. The objective of this study was to produce a Cognitive Flexibility Test (CFT) that can evaluate cognitive flexibility in a short time and in a simple manner and to verify the usefulness of the test. [Methods] The CFT, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), and Geriatric Depression Scale 15 (GDS-15) were implemented among a total of 94 elderly people who live at home. An “A” version of CFT (CFT-A), which asked about the possible uses of a plastic bottle other than drinking and a “B” version (CFT-B), which asked about the possible uses of a ballpoint pen other than writing, were produced. [Results] In the case of CFT-A, after adjusting the number of years of education, a significant correlation was found between CFT-A and the variables age, VFT, and MMSE. As for CFT-B, after adjusting the number of years of education, it was found to have a significant correlation with age and VFT. The number of responses for CFT-A and CFT-B were significantly lower than that of VFT. The number of responses for CFT-B was significantly lower than that of CFT-A. [Conclusion] The CFT-A may be useful as a neuropsychological test to evaluate cognitive flexibility among elderly people that can be implemented easily in a short time.