Fleni Coglioma: Battery for the detection of cognitive compromise in patients with low grade Glioma

Abstract

New surgical procedures have benefited patients with Low-Grade Gliomas (LGG), who have a longer life expectancy. For this reason there is a growing interest in protecting cognition and improving their quality of life. The objectives of the study were: (1) To construct and administer a neuropsychological battery to examine the pre-surgical cognitive profile in patients with LGG and to determine the post-surgical effects. (2) To design an intra-surgical intervention for patients with lesions in the left hemisphere in order to minimize possible later deficits. 19 patients were evaluated with a pre-surgical battery that assesses different cognitive domains: memory, language, attention, executive functions, visuospatial skills, social cognition, praxias and gnosias. Patients also completed neuropsychiatric questionnaires to assess functionality, mood and quality of life. Patients presented deficits in multiple cognitive domains in the pre-surgical evaluation, when comparing their performance with normative values adjusted for age, sex and education. The results of the present study demonstrate the importance of the administration of the neuropsychological battery specifically designed for LGG patients and the assessment of cognitive domains to achieve detection and follow-up of possible cognitive disorders.