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Perceived cognitive dysfunction and observed neuropsychological performance: longitudinal relation in persons with
Christopher Christodoulou1, Patricia Melville, William F Scherl
1Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8121, USA. christopher.christodoulou@stonybrook.edu
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|October 11, 2005
Summary
Multiple sclerosis patients
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Accurate self-assessment of cognitive deficits is crucial for treatment adherence and quality of life in MS patients.
- Existing research shows a complex relationship between self-reported and objectively measured cognitive function in neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between self-reported cognitive dysfunction and objective neuropsychological performance in multiple sclerosis patients over 24 weeks.
- To determine if patients' self-perceptions of cognitive changes align with actual performance improvements during a cognitive enhancement trial.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 53 multiple sclerosis patients with mild cognitive impairment and no depression were assessed at baseline and 24 weeks.
- Neuropsychological performance was measured using a modified Brief Repeatable Battery.
- Self-perceived cognitive impairment was assessed using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire and separate memory and attention questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Self-assessed cognition did not correlate with neuropsychological performance at baseline or 24 weeks.
- Changes in self-assessment scores correlated significantly with changes in neuropsychological performance over the 24-week period.
- Patients demonstrated an awareness of changes in their cognitive function but underestimated the overall severity of their impairment.
Conclusions:
- While multiple sclerosis patients can accurately perceive changes in their cognitive function, they may be insensitive to the degree of their current impairment.
- Self-report measures capture dynamic changes in cognition but may not reflect static performance levels.
- These findings highlight the importance of integrating both subjective and objective measures for a comprehensive understanding of cognitive health in MS.