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Cognitive dysfunction in early-onset multiple sclerosis: a reappraisal after 10 years
M P Amato1, G Ponziani, G Siracusa
1Department of Neurology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 85, Florence, Italy 50134. mariapia.amato@unifi.it
Archives of Neurology
|October 27, 2001
Summary
Cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients worsen over time, with over half showing impairment after 10 years. This decline impacts daily functioning, independent of physical disability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Early-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Long-term cognitive changes in MS are not fully understood.
- Cognitive deficits can significantly impact patients' quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term progression of cognitive deficits in early-onset MS patients.
- To examine the relationship between cognitive decline and clinical disease progression.
- To assess the impact of cognitive impairment on daily functioning.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study reassessing cognitive performance over 10 years.
- Neuropsychological testing battery administered to MS patients and healthy controls.
- Multiple linear regression analysis to identify correlates of cognitive impairment and functional impact.
Main Results:
- Cognitive deficits in verbal memory, reasoning, and language persisted.
- New deficits in attention and short-term spatial memory emerged.
- Cognitive impairment progressed in 56% of patients over 10 years.
- Physical disability, disease progression, and age predicted cognitive decline.
- Cognitive impairment and disability independently predicted social and work limitations.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive dysfunction is common and progressive in MS patients over long follow-up periods.
- Neurological and cognitive aspects of MS tend to converge as the disease advances.
- Cognitive decline significantly affects patients' work and social activities, irrespective of physical disability.