Exploring clinical management of cognitive and behavioural deficits in MND. A scoping review

Abstract

Objectives: Little is known about how cognitive and behavioural decline in MND is managed clinically. This review aimed to summarise clinical management approaches of cognitive and behavioural decline in MND reported in peer-reviewed and grey literature.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted across Embase, Medline, Psychinfo and Emcare in October 2022. Grey literature was also searched across Google Scholar and Google in October 2022.

Results: A total of N = 26 studies and 8 documents were included. Thematic analysis revealed six key areas of clinical management: i. Assessment, ii. Education, iii. Advance Care Planning, iv. Adaptation of Care Plan, v. Communication and vi. Carer Support.

Conclusions: The literature on management of cognitive and behavioural decline in MND is sparse. Most peer-reviewed literature consists of expert commentary and there is a lack of primary data to guide practitioners and families on how to manage cognitive and behavioural change in MND.

Practice implications: Determining as early as practicable the presence of cognitive and behavioural changes in pwMND will enable practitioners to make adaptations to communication, provide education and supported decision-making for forward planning. This will enable individualised care, planned in partnership with families with MND, which incorporates personal needs and wishes.

Keywords: Behaviour; Clinical Management; Cognition; Motor Neuron Disease.