Spanish adaptation of the edinburgh cognitive and behavioral amyotrophic lateral sclerosis screen (ECAS).

OBJECTIVE: Adaptation of the ECAS to the Spanish population.

METHODS: The ECAS test was adapted and implemented in a random sample of 102 ALS patients. A test-retest reliability of the instrument and internal consistency assessment were carried out. Its convergent validity was determined by comparing the ECAS screen with the ALS Cognitive Behavioural Screen (ALS-CBS), another standard tool.

RESULTS: The Spanish adaptation of the ECAS scale preserves the statistical characteristics of the original version. Its analysis revealed a high internal consistency, similar to that of the original version. A significant correlation was found between the ECAS scale and the ALS-CBS, with the highest degree of correlation values shown at the Executive and Lack of empathy domains scales. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the scores obtained in ALS patients and healthy individuals. Furthermore, the analysis of the screen discrimination ability resulted acceptable.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study prove that the Spanish adaptation of the ECAS scale preserves the internal consistency and construct validity of its original version.