Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System
Pronunciation: DEE-kefs
Also written as: D-KEFS — Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System
A comprehensive neuropsychological battery designed to assess multiple components of executive functioning in isolation and combination.
Full Definition
The Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) is a standardized neuropsychological test battery specifically designed to assess various components of executive functioning in individuals aged 8 to 89 years. The battery consists of nine separate tests that can be administered individually or in combination, including verbal and design fluency, color-word interference (Stroop), sorting, twenty questions, word context, tower test, proverb test, and trail making. A key innovation of the D-KEFS is its ability to isolate specific executive functions while controlling for basic cognitive processes, allowing clinicians to determine whether deficits reflect executive dysfunction versus more fundamental cognitive impairments. The battery provides age-corrected scaled scores and percentile ranks, with comprehensive normative data stratified by education level.
Usage
Usage note: Use D-KEFS for subsequent references after spelling out the full name initially.
In Context
- "The D-KEFS Tower Test revealed significant planning and problem-solving deficits." — Executive function assessment
- "Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System results showed selective impairment in cognitive flexibility." — Neuropsychological report