Executive function and capacity to consent to a noninvasive research protocol

Objective: This study measured the association between executive function and decision-making capacity in subjects consenting to a noninvasive research protocol. Method: Subjects consenting to a noninvasive research protocol (N = 21; mean age: 65.5 [standard deviation: 9.2] years) were administered a modified version of The MacArthur Competency Assessment Tool-Treatment (MacCAT-T), Executive Interview (EXIT25), Executive Clock Drawing Task (CLOX), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: The EXIT25 was the only instrument to correlate with each decision-making capacity domain: understanding, appreciation, and reasoning. Conclusions: Executive function as measured by the EXIT25 is associated with multiple decision-making capacity domains.