Cognitive Assessment and Rehabilitation for Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is a significant clinical concern in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Current practices for assessing and rehabilitating cognitive deficits in pediatric MS vary widely.
• There is a need to consolidate existing evidence on cognitive assessment and rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of available evidence on cognitive assessment tools for pediatric MS.
• To collate information on cognitive rehabilitation interventions for pediatric MS.
• To identify gaps in research and inform evidence-based practice.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of major electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science) up to February 2020.
• Inclusion of original studies in English focusing on cognitive assessment or rehabilitation in pediatric-onset MS.
• Searches also included reference lists of articles and trial registers.

Main Results:

• Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria.
• Eleven studies focused on evaluating psychometric properties of cognitive assessment tools, with varied neuro-cognitive domain emphasis.
• Only three pilot studies reported on cognitive rehabilitation, utilizing home-based computerized programs for working memory and attention.

Conclusions:

• There is a substantial need for more systematic research into cognitive assessment tools and rehabilitation for pediatric MS.
• Computer-assisted approaches for cognitive assessment and rehabilitation show feasibility and warrant further investigation.
• Current evidence is insufficient to establish standardized, evidence-based practices for cognitive care in pediatric MS.