Cognition in adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review
Prepared by: AACPDM Digest reviewer/Mary Schmidt, DO
Keywords:
- Cognitive function
- Adults with cerebral palsy
- Executive function
- Aging with cerebral palsy
Study type: Systematic review
Summary:
This systematic review examines the state of knowledge regarding cognitive function in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), a population historically underrepresented in research compared with children. The article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to characterize cognitive profiles, highlighting that adults with CP show a wide range of cognitive abilities—from typical function to significant impairment—which correlate with factors such as lesion type, motor severity, and associated comorbidities.
A key takeaway is the heterogeneity of cognitive outcomes and the lack of standardized assessment approaches for adults with CP. Many of the studies included in the review use inconsistent methodologies, making it difficult to compare results or generalize findings. The most affected cognitive deficits in adults with CP were related to executive function, attention, and processing speed. The authors also highlight gaps in longitudinal data, but the limited studies reviewed showed stability in cognitive function into mid-adulthood. This review underscores that cognitive issues are clinically meaningful, often interacting with physical impairments to affect independence, employment, and quality of life.
For clinicians, the article demonstrates the importance of routine cognitive screening and individualized assessment in adults with CP. Understanding cognitive strengths and deficits can guide rehabilitation, vocational planning, and long-term care strategies. For adults with CP, the findings validate lived experiences of cognitive challenges and highlight the need for ongoing support across the lifespan. Overall, the review calls for more rigorous, standardized, and longitudinal research to better inform clinical care and optimize functional outcomes for this growing adult population.