Cognition assessment in paediatric clinical trials

As in adults and the elderly, a number of paediatric conditions have a recognised cognitive dysfunction. Studies also demonstrate adverse cognitive effects associated with medicinal products used in paediatric populations. Demonstrating efficacy in treating cognitive dysfunction, or safety and tolerability in minimising adverse cognitive effects is as relevant to paediatric clinical trials as it is to adult populations. Indeed, cognitive assessments may be even more vital in paediatric populations, due to the additional possibility of adverse effects on cognitive development. This requirement to evaluate cognition in children and adolescents, and new legislation for paediatric clinical trials, has created an increased demand for suitable assessment methods.