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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Three screening batteries to detect cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
R L Aupperle1, W W Beatty, F de N A P Shelton
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 3, 2002
Summary
The Screening Examination for Cognitive Impairment (SEFCI) is a preferred tool for detecting cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients due to its shorter administration time compared to the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for Multiple Sclerosis (NPSBMS). Both tests show higher sensitivity than the RBANS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is a common and significant challenge for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Accurate and efficient screening tools are crucial for early detection and management of cognitive deficits in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sensitivity and administration times of three brief neuropsychological test batteries for detecting cognitive impairment in MS patients.
- To determine the most suitable screening tool for clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four MS patients completed the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for Multiple Sclerosis (NPSBMS), Screening Examination for Cognitive Impairment (SEFCI), and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).
- Cognitive impairment was defined as scoring below the 5th percentile of healthy controls on individual tests.
- Administration times and the number of patients failing one or two tests were recorded for each battery.
Main Results:
- Both SEFCI and NPSBMS identified significantly more patients with cognitive impairment than RBANS.
- SEFCI and NPSBMS showed comparable sensitivity, outperforming RBANS and the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE).
- SEFCI had a significantly shorter mean administration time (22.6 min) compared to NPSBMS (31.7 min).
- A notable percentage (17%) of patients refused to complete the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), a component of NPSBMS.
Conclusions:
- The SEFCI is recommended for screening cognitive impairment in MS patients due to its high sensitivity and shorter administration time.
- The NPSBMS is also sensitive but is more time-consuming and includes a test (PASAT) that may be refused by patients.
