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Journal of Neurology

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01-12-2021 | Cerebral Small Vessel Disease | Review

Cognitive evaluation in cerebral small vessel disease: towards an evidence-based identification of the reference standards. Part 1. A systematic review and qualitative data synthesis

Authors: Emilia Salvadori, Michela Brambilla, Ilaria Cova, Simone Pomati, Leonardo Pantoni

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 12/2021

Abstract

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a leading cause of cognitive impairment in the elderly. Despite cSVD cognitive profile is thought to be mainly characterized by attention and executive functions deficits, there is no definite agreement on the standards for its evaluation. This systematic review aims at identifying cognitive domains and neuropsychological tools specifically chosen in the assessment of cognitive impairment related to cSVD, and the temporal and geographic trends in their utilization.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, original articles focused on cSVD patient samples neuropsychologically evaluated were searched using PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO databases without language or time restrictions (PROSPERO registration number CRD42018089882; date 27-02-2018).

Results

We screened 13,688 studies and included 298 in the qualitative data synthesis. Global cognitive functioning and attention/executive functions were the most evaluated domains (87% and 69%, respectively). Mini Mental State Examination was the most used screening tool (73%), followed by MoCA (14%) whose utilization rapidly increased over the last years. The most frequently used second level tests were phonemic and semantic fluencies (39% and 30%, respectively), Trail Making Test (TMT) part A and B (31% and 32%, respectively), Stroop (31.5%), and Boston naming (30%). All tests resulted stably utilized over time, except for semantic fluency and Stroop whose use increased. Phonemic fluency and Boston naming were the most used in North America (51% and 45%, respectively), TMT in Europe (43%), and Stroop and semantic fluency in Asia (43% and 40%, respectively).

Conclusions

This systematic review confirms that attention/executive functions domain is the most commonly evaluated in cSVD together with lexical retrieval abilities based on executive control processes. Temporal and geographic variability emerged in the choice of tests.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018089882 (27-02-2018).

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Cognitive evaluation in cerebral small vessel disease: towards an evidence-based identification of the reference standards. Part 1. A systematic review and qualitative data synthesis
Authors: Emilia Salvadori
Michela Brambilla
Ilaria Cova
Simone Pomati
Leonardo Pantoni
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
CADASIL
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 12/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10262-2

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Springer Medicine

Cognitive evaluation in cerebral small vessel disease: towards an evidence-based identification of the reference standards. Part 1. A systematic review and qualitative data synthesis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

PROSPERO registration number

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

PROSPERO registration number

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