L22 The Changing Neuropsychological Needs Of Huntington's Disease Patients In A Long-term Care Setting

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> During the course of the disease, patients with Huntington’s disease (HD) can present with a range of neuropsychological impairments, most predominantly subcortical and frontal executive deficits, which can have significant impact upon daily functioning and care needs. <h3>Aims</h3> This study aims to identify the course of cognitive deficits in a group of patients diagnosed with HD in a specialist long-term care setting. <h3>Methods/techniques</h3> Six patients, in a specialist long term care setting, underwent serial neuropsychological assessment using assessment tools appropriate to their level of cognitive functioning. <h3>Results/outcome</h3> All patients presented with neuropsychological impairment; this varied according to their stage of illness and the predominant features of their disease; further deterioration on serial assessment also varied. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Patients with HD in long-term care present with diverse presentations of neuropsychological impairment. Their neuropsychological deficits can have significant impact upon their functional ability, mood, behaviour and quality of life. Therefore, a specialist and person-centred approach to care in long-term settings is necessary and the need for neuropsychological assessment of these patients is highlighted, in order to understand the complex and changing needs of these patients; this approach is required in order to optimise patients’ quality of life and ensure an appropriate response to alteration in neuropsychological status, corresponding functioning and ongoing care needs.