The main advantage of the ECAS in comparison to other neuropsychological methods is its adaptation to motor-driven impairments. ECAS can still be performed even if patients show motor impairments, whereas this does neither apply to FAB nor MoCA. Within ECAS, verbal fluency can either be performed orally or in written form and standardized score sheets for either performance are available. Thus, patients with motor impairments in the upper limb or the bulbar region can participate in the test.
The sensitivity of ECAS according to behavioral changes provides the opportunity to not only screen for specific cognitive changes due to ALS, but also for behavioral and psychotic changes. Indication for diagnosis of behavioural variant of FTD can be given.
Furthermore, performance of ECAS requires no additional equipment (apart from stop-watch and pencil) and is therefore not necessarily bound to be done in the hospital. It can also be performed with the patient at home. In addition, ECAS can be done by neuropsychologists, medical doctors and instructed clinical staff.
For further details, please refer to Lulé et al. (2014).