[The review of questionnaires and scales evaluating patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

Abstract

In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it is advisable to provide multidisciplinary care, due to rapid progression and specific disease symptoms, in order to maintain the best quality of life for the patient and their family. Abroad, questionnaires and scales are used to assess the patient´s health condition, to determine disease progression, followed by the provision of personalized care. The aim of this review article is to describe and analyze the scales used in evaluating ALS patients in both functional and psychosocial areas. Having searched in electronic databases, 14 scales for patients with ALS or motor neuron disease were found, and 4 scales for patients with chronic diseases, which are appropriate and used also in patients with ALS. The ALSFRS scale (The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale) is most often used for assessment of functional status. All areas of care are best covered in the ALSSQOL-R (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Specific Quality of life) questionnaire, designed for assessment of quality of life. The use of both scales is recommended in clinical practice and research.

Keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; multidisciplinary care scales.; quality of life; questionnaires.