Cognitive Changes in Pre-ataxic Spinocerebellar Ataxias: A Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although traditionally recognized for motor impairment, evidence suggests that cognitive deficits may emerge before ataxia onset in autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), particularly in nucleotide repeat expansion SCAs (NRE-SCAs). However, the nature and extent of these early cognitive changes and cognition disorders remain unclear.

Objective

This scoping review maps existing evidence on cognitive alterations in pre-ataxic NRE-SCAs, focusing on affected cognitive domains, assessment tools, and early biomarkers.

Methods

A comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Studies were included if they assessed cognitive function in genetically confirmed pre-ataxic NRE-SCA indivi

SUBMITTER: Tenorio RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12715325 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature