Assessing patient cognition and behaviour in specialised MND multidisciplinary care: a feasibility study

Multiple and diverse symptoms characterise motor neurone disease (MND). In addition to physical deterioration, many patients are known to experience changes to their cognition (such as problem solving and memory) and behaviour (such as apathy). Yet, unlike physical status, cognition and behaviour are not routinely assessed in MND multidisciplinary clinical practice. The aim of this study is to improve patient care by assessing these changes, and their impact on patients and carers. We will trial a purpose- designed package of assessments to measure cognitive and behavioural change, patient wellbeing and carer burden. We will then evaluate the feasibility of these assessments for use in MND multidisciplinary clinics, and the contribution assessment results make to patient care. The insights gained from this study will: assist service planning; inform patient and carer decision-making; and allow clinicians to proactively tailor care to patients’ varied and complex needs.