Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients show executive impairments on standard neuropsychological measures and an ecologically valid motor-free test of executive functions

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.

Keywords:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Executive dysfunction
• Motor-free assessment of executive functions
• Ecological validity
• Medication Scheduling Task