A review of the validation of the Brief Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis in Latin America.

Abstract

Background: The present review aimed to identify published studies that reported the validation of the Brief Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) in Latin America (LATAM).

Methods: To compile a comprehensive list of available validation studies, we performed a systematic review of the literature via an electronic search of PubMed and Web of Science via the keywords "Validation," "Brief Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis," "BICAMS," and "Latin America."

Results: Twenty-seven sources of validation studies for the BICAMS were identified. Of the 27 citations identified, only four provide validation of the BICAMS in LATAM. These studies include a comparison of cognitive performance between multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls (HCs) across all three BICAMS tests. Overall, the studies included a greater proportion of patients with RRMS and middle-aged adults and included participants with wide ranges of education levels.

Conclusion: We provide a detailed description of the BICAMS validation currently available for people living in LATAM. Although the validation of tests in diverse populations has gained interest in the field, there is still a need for more studies among people from LATAM countries.