Author/Editor | Štukovnik, Vita; Zidar, Janez; Podnar, Simon; Repovš, Grega | |
Title | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients show executive impairments on standard neuropsychological measures and an ecologically valid motor-free test of executive functions | |
Type | članek | |
Source | J Clin Exp Neuropsyc | |
Vol. and No. | Letnik 32, št. 10 | |
Publication year | 2010 | |
Volume | str. 1095-109 | |
Language | eng | |
Abstract | The study aimed to evaluate the nature and extent of executive deficits in nondemented amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. A total of 22 ALS patients and 21 matched controls were compared on standard neuropsychological tests of executive functions with appropriate control for motor impairment and on an ecologically valid motor-free test of executive functions, the Medication Scheduling Task (MST). Our results show that motor dysfunction can present a significant confound when using standard neuropsychological measures; however, even when accounting for motor disabilities, ALS patients show a robust pattern of cognitive dysfunctions. Additionally, MST was shown to be a sensitive measure of cognitive impairment, providing an important insight into cognitive processes relevant for patients' daily living. | |
Descriptors | AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS NEUROLOGIC EXAMINATION NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS COGNITION DISORDERS MOVEMENT DISORDERS |