Assessing cognitive functioning in ALS: A focus on frontal lobe processes.
Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener
; 18(3-4): 182-192, 2017 05.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27931119
OBJECTIVE: It is generally acknowledged that at least 50% of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) will exhibit cognitive deficits outside of the characteristic motor neuron involvement. However, a specific cognitive profile has been difficult to ascertain due to disease-related testing barriers and limitations in the sensitivity and specificity of available assessment methods. This study assessed the level of functioning of extramotor frontal cognitive processes in ALS, and the amount of change in the functioning in these processes over time as disease progresses. METHODS: Empirical tests validated for a model of frontal lobe functioning were modified into an assessment battery appropriate for individuals with ALS in a clinical setting (the ALS-CFB, Computerised Frontal Battery). Twenty ALS participants and 36 age- and education-matched neurologically healthy controls were tested, and a sub-sample of each group (11 ALS and 20 controls) re-tested after approximately nine months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Compared to standard neuropsychological screening tests that did not show a difference between ALS participants and healthy controls, the ALS-CFB illustrated a profile of extramotor frontal dysfunction involving energisation (preparing the neural system to respond) and executive functions, a profile that may be indicative of the nature of neurodegeneration in ALS.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Cognição
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Lobo Frontal
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Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Aged
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Female
/
Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá