How useful is the Frontal Assessment Battery in the assessment of inhibitory control?

Abstract

Key points The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) has become a common screening tool in neuropsychiatric assessment, especially in the elderly. However, in a sample of 64 patients with Parkinson's syndrome, we show that the validity of subtask 5 (Go/NoGo) as a measure of inhibitory control or impulsivity seems compromised by perseverations from the immediately preceding task. Despite its “frontal” sensitivity, subtask 5 of the FAB does not seem to be a valid marker of disinhibition or impulsivity and should be interpreted with caution.