Neuropsychology of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2, a Case Study in Stage I Disease

Abstract

Currently, the evaluation of cognitive disorders in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 is of great interest, given that the identification of its neuropsychological characteristics allows for a deeper understanding of the disease. However, its approach from the field of study of neuropsychology, based on the integration of the cognitive, affective and behavioral state, is insufficient. The objective of study is characterized from a neuropsychological point of view, a series of cases with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 in stage I. A multiple case study was carried out with four patients with diagnosis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 in stage I genetically confirmed and intentionally chosen. Psychological and neurocognitive tests were applied to evaluate the cognitive, affective and behavioral spheres. Patients with SCA2 stage I presented cognitive impairment in the neuropsychological examination, only one of the subjects showed normal global cognitive functioning, although in the evaluation by specific domains he evidenced various cognitive deficits. Anxiety and depression at pathological levels were not identified in the patients. They showed satisfaction and self-actualization with their lifestyles. The neuropsychological characterization of the cases studied with SCA2 in stage I contributed to a greater understanding of the disease. The identified deficits speak in favor of carrying out a neuropsychological evaluation from the initial stages, to project more effective neuropsychological rehabilitation strategies, which is of interest to the scientific community in the field of Neurosciences.