Computerised Testing of Cognitive Response to Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Umeå University80 enrolled

Overview

A novel computerised neuropsychological test battery for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has been developed. The aim is to provide the clinician with a free of charge, standardized tool, assessing the cognitive decline or improvements in the cognitive domains specific for NPH. Results from the battery indicate good reliability and validity for the computerized tests Results from the computerised battery seems promising. However, ability for the battery to detect cognitive improvements after a shunt operation remains to be tested. Study objectives 1. Improvement after shunt. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of shunting on neuropsychological performance in NPH patients, using a computerized battery. 2. Feasibility. The ability to complete the test battery by the intended patient group will be tested. 3. Baseline profile. Baseline scores for NPH-patients will be compared to scores of healthy individuals (from previous study).

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Older than 60 years of age "Probable INPH" according to the NIH guidelines Planned shunt surgery based on a diagnosis of INPH. Exclusion Criteria: * Known cause for hydrocephalus (i.e., secondary NPH). Medical condition preventing cognitive testing (e.g. deafness, blindness). Patients not considered for shunt operation.

Locations (4)

Ålborg University Hospital

Aalborg, Denmark

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Linköping University Hospital

Linköping, Sweden

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Umeå University

Umeå, Sweden

RECRUITING

Akademiska sjukhuset

Uppsala, Sweden

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Neuropsychological outcome

INPH patients, who are shunt candidates, will complete a computerized battery at two occasions: (1) hospital admission (Baseline) at most 1 month prior to surgery, and (2) 4.5 ± 1.5 months after shunt operation (Post-Shunt).

Time frame: 4.5 ± 1.5 months

Secondary Outcomes

Mini mental state Examination

INPH patients, who are shunt candidates, at each center will complete the Mini Mental State Examination at: (1) hospital admission (Baseline) at most 1 month prior to surgery, and (2) 4.5 ± 1.5 months after shunt operation (Post-Shunt).

Time frame: 4.5 ± 1.5 months

Feasibility

The number of patients who are able to complete individual subtests and the entire battery, will be monitored.

Time frame: 4.5 ± 1.5 months

Baseline cognitive profile compared to healthy

The baseline cognitive profile of INPH-patients will be compared to healthy individuals (from previous study).