Current opinion in neurology
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Oct 2020
ReviewCognitive and behavioural impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The current review provides an up to date overview of the nature and progression of the cognitive and behavioural impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Understanding these symptoms has implications for the management of the disease and the design of clinical trials, in addition to the support of patient and caregiver regarding mental capacity and end of life decision-making. ⋯ Cognitive and behavioural impairment is an important feature of ALS, and reflects broad network dysfunction of frontostriatal and frontotemporal systems. Cognition and behaviour should be assessed early in the diagnostic process, and data driven approaches should be developed to enable reliable quantitative outcome assessment suitable for clinical trials.
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The current review will provide recent updates in the clinical management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ⋯ ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes degeneration of the motor neurons which leads to paralysis and respiratory failure. Despite the lack of a cure, multidisciplinary care, proactive respiratory management, nutritional care and management of symptoms as well as pharmacological interventions that can improve quality of life and survival.