A Systematic Review of the Spectrum and Prevalence of Non‐Motor Symptoms in Adults with Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxias. Issue 8 (6th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malek, Naveed; Makawita, Chulika; Al‐Sami, Yaqub; Aslanyan, Aram; de Silva, Rajith
• Is Part Of: Movement disorders clinical practice. Volume 9:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 1027
• Page End: 1039
• Publication Date: 2022-09-06
• Subjects: cerebellum -- ataxia -- non‐motor symptoms; Movement Disorders; Movement disorders -- Periodicals; Movement disorders; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13532
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2330-1619

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Cerebellar ataxias comprise a large group of heterogeneous disorders with both motor and non‐motor symptoms (NMS). Objective: We wanted to ascertain the reported prevalence of NMS in different subtypes of hereditary cerebellar ataxias. Methods: Systematic review of studies of hereditary cerebellar ataxias (involving >5 patients) who were assessed for NMS, published in the English literature in PUBMED and EMBASE databases from 1947 to 2021. Results: A total of 35 papers, with data from 1311 autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), 893 autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia (ARCA), and 53 X‐linked ataxia cases were included with a total of 450 controls. Mean age for SCA cases at diagnosis was 47.6 (SD, 14.9) years, for ARCA cases was 34.6 (SD, 14.7) years and for X‐linked ataxia cases was 68.6 (9.1) years. The prevalence of cognitive problems in SCAs was between 23% and 75% (ranging from mild to severe), being least prevalent in SCA6. The prevalence of depression in SCAs was between 13% and 69% and sleep disorders were between 7% and 80%. Pain was reported by 18% to 60% of patients, especially in SCA3, and fatigue by 53% to 70%. The prevalence of reported cognitive dysfunction in ARCA was 12.5% to 100% and depression between 14% and 51%. The prevalence of anxiety in X‐linked ataxias (FXTAS) was 17 % and depression 55%. Conclusions: The presence of NMS in hereditary cerebellar ataxias is common. The prevalence and spectrum of NMS in SCAs, ARCAs, and X‐linked ataxias vary. In routine clinical practice, NMS in cerebellar ataxias are under‐recognized and certainly under‐reported. Therefore, they are unlikely to be addressed adequately. Improved ascertainment of NMS in cerebellar ataxias in clinical practice will enable holistic treatment of these patients.