8. Difficulty with Executive Functioning: The Subtle Cognitive Shifts in CAA
Another cognitive symptom associated with CAA is difficulty with executive functioning. Executive functions refer to a set of mental skills that help us get things done.
These include managing time, paying attention, switching focus, planning and organizing, remembering details, and multitasking. When CAA impacts these abilities, it can lead to noticeable changes in how a person manages their day-to-day life.
The build-up of amyloid-beta proteins in the small vessels supplying the brain’s frontal lobe, an area heavily involved in executive functions, can impair the region’s blood supply. Over time, this can lead to subtle but progressive changes in the person’s ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks.
In the early stages, this might manifest as slight difficulties in multitasking or taking longer than usual to complete routine tasks. The person might struggle with maintaining focus, or they may be more easily distracted. (8)
