The study conducted aimed to investigate the correlation between disease stage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cognitive/behavioral changes utilizing the King’s Clinical Staging System and the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS). A total of 161 patients with ALS and 80 matched healthy controls were recruited across three research sites for this cross-sectional study.
Results indicated significant differences in cognitive performance between ALS patients and healthy controls across various cognitive functions assessed by the ECAS. The study found that ALS-specific cognitive deficits (such as executive function, language, and letter fluency) and behavioral impairment were more prevalent in advanced disease stages. Additionally, the presence of bulbar symptoms was significantly related to cognitive and behavioral scores, highlighting the importance of considering symptom manifestation in disease progression.
The findings suggest that incorporating cognitive and behavioral assessments into ALS diagnostic criteria and future staging systems is crucial for comprehensive patient care. The study underscores the impact of disease stage on cognitive and behavioral changes in ALS, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to address these aspects in patient management.
For more insights into the relationship between ALS disease stage and cognitive/behavioral changes, refer to the full research published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology.
Attribution:
This article was summarized and republished from the original source.
Please check the original article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30209236/.