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Executive Function State

Meaning

Executive Function State refers to the overall quality and current capacity of the higher-level cognitive processes centrally controlled by the prefrontal cortex, including working memory, flexible thinking, and inhibitory control. This critical state dictates an individual’s complex ability to plan, sustain attention, manage time efficiently, and successfully navigate complex tasks and decision-making. The optimal functioning of this system is profoundly influenced by the neuroendocrine environment, with hormones like thyroid hormones, estrogens, and androgens actively modulating neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter balance. A compromised executive function state can significantly impair daily functioning and reduce overall quality of life.