The cooking task: making a meal of executive functions

This study explored a computerized cooking task (CT) to measure executive functions like planning, memory, and multitasking in a real-world context. Participants completed tasks of varying difficulty that required managing cooking times and setting tables, mimicking everyday activities. Results showed the CT effectively captured executive functions such as strategy, flexible thinking, and rule adherence, which standard neuropsychological tests often miss. The findings suggest the CT could be a more accurate tool for assessing executive function deficits in both healthy and clinical populations.

Engage in real-world, multitasking activities like cooking to improve executive functions such as planning and memory. These tasks mirror complex, real-life cognitive demands and may enhance brain health. This study demonstrates potential benefits but focuses on assessment rather than intervention, so the effectiveness of such activities in improving cognition warrants further research.