[The Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS): a Russian version.]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) frequently involves cognitive and behavioral disturbances.
• These disturbances impact patient care decisions by multidisciplinary teams, patients, and families.
• A rapid, understandable screening tool is needed for ALS-specific cognitive and behavioral impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To translate the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS) into Russian.
• To adapt the ECAS for the Russian-speaking population of patients with ALS.
• To provide a validated screening tool for cognitive and behavioral changes in ALS.

Main Methods:

• Translation of the ECAS into Russian.
• Adaptation of the scale considering cultural and linguistic factors.
• Evaluation of the adapted ECAS for screening ALS patients.

Main Results:

• The Russian version of the ECAS was successfully developed.
• The adapted ECAS meets the criteria for a rapid and understandable screening tool.
• The ECAS is suitable for examining ALS patients across various stages of motor impairment.

Conclusions:

• The Russian ECAS is a valuable tool for screening cognitive and behavioral disturbances in ALS patients.
• This adaptation facilitates better assessment and management of ALS patients in a Russian-speaking context.
• The ECAS supports informed decision-making in the multidisciplinary care of ALS.