Cognitive and Behavioural Profile of SOD1-ALS Across the ALS-FTD Spectrum: A Systematic Review.

What was studied

This was a systematic review of studies on SOD1-related ALS. This form of ALS was long seen as affecting movement only. The authors searched PubMed and found 17 studies. These covered 222 patients with SOD1 changes. The review looked at thinking skills and behaviour.

What they found

Some patients met the criteria for frontotemporal dementia. More patients had problems in several thinking areas. These included planning, language, and working memory. Behaviour changes such as apathy and mood swings also stood out. The picture varied widely, from mild score changes to a full dementia diagnosis.

What it means for patients

The authors say thinking and behaviour can be hit in SOD1-ALS. They suggest older tests may have missed mild signs. They say the evidence points to patterns tied to a variant. They call routine tests of thinking skills crucial in this group.

Why it is not certain yet

The abstract does not say how good the 17 studies were. The authors say the picture is very mixed. They say patterns tied to a variant are only possible. A review can only be as good as its studies. The abstract does not say how many of the 222 patients were tested.

Source

Cognitive and Behavioural Profile of SOD1-ALS Across the ALS-FTD Spectrum: A Systematic Review.

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