This scoping review investigates the characteristics and validation of cognitive and behavioral screening tools for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
None declared
From database inception to February 28, 2019
English-language, peer-reviewed studies reporting mean test scores and standard deviations. Excludes conference proceedings.
99
<div>The following cognitive screening tools had been validated specifically for ALS patients and demonstrated moderate to high sensitivity and specificity:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>the ALS-Brief Cognitive Assessment (ALS-BCA);</li>
<li>the ALS-Cognitive Behavioral Screen (ALS-CBS);</li>
<li>the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS);</li>
<li>the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB); and</li>
<li>the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).</li>
</ul>
<div>While the FAB shows superior validity, many individuals with ALS (up to 50%) "are not capable of completing the FAB due to physical disability" (p. 327). The authors note that the ALS-CBS requires shorter administration time compared to the ECAS; however, the ECAS assesses language and social cognition domains, while the ALS-CBS does not. Additional research validating ALS-specific cognitive screening instruments that considers different patient subgroups, age groups, education levels, and progression of the disease is warranted.</div>
</div>
