Brief neurocognitive screening in youth with brain tumours: A preliminary investigation of the Lebby-Asbell Neurocognitive Screening Examination (LANSE)

Abstract

Primary objective: It is well-documented that survivors of paediatric brain tumour are at risk for neurocognitive deficits resulting in an increased interest in neurocognitive assessment for these youth. Given the scarcity of well-validated brief assessments for this purpose, this study examines the reliability and validity of a brief neurocognitive screening measure.

Research design: Cross-sectional data on youth (aged 6–17.9) administered a brief neurocognitive screening device and broader neurocognitive batteries was collected via chart review to evaluate the reliability and validity of a brief neurocognitive screening device.

Methods and procedures: Fifty-one youth with brain tumours and 26 youth with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were administered The Lebby-Asbell Neurocognitive Screening Examination (LANSE) during clinic visits. A sub-set of children were administered a more comprehensive neurocognitive evaluation and scores from the LANSE and these evaluations were compared to assess preliminary validity.

Main outcome and results: Most LANSE sub-scales demonstrated adequate reliability and preliminary validity with some exceptions. Comparison of youth with brain tumours to those with a TBI revealed a similar pattern of potential neurocognitive impairment across several cognitive domains.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the preliminary reliability and validity of a brief neurocognitive screening examination for youth with brain tumours.

• Cancer
• neurocognition
• pediatrics
• traumatic brain injury
• verbal reasoning

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.