Frontal Release Signs and Future Decline in Research Participants With Intact Cognition

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Frontal release signs (FRS) reemerge in later life, indicating potential brain injury or degeneration, particularly in dementia cases.
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The presence of two or more FRS significantly increases specificity for diagnosing neurologic dysfunction, with reported specificity as high as 93%.
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Despite low sensitivity, FRS remain a quick and noninvasive tool for assessing cognitive decline in clinical settings.
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The study analyzed FRS in a cohort of older adults with intact cognition or mild impairment, using standardized neuropsychological assessments.
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As dementia prevalence rises, the need for effective early detection methods, including FRS, is increasingly critical for improving patient outcomes.

Jama Network Open

by Lauren G. Bojarski, Gregory A. Jicha, Elif Pinar Coskun, Frederick A. Schmitt, Linda Van Eldik, Erin L. Abner
June 5, 2026

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