[Neuropsychological profile of multiple sclerosis]

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common non-traumatic neurological disorder among young and middle-aged people. The aim of the present study was to examine the cognitive functioning of a group of MS patients. A sample of 80 participants diagnosed with MS and 40 controls received a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Participants with MS scored lower than controls on all of the neuropsychological tests and significantly lower (p < .05) on 84% (16/19) of them. The global neuropsychological profile of the MS group included deficits in executive function, speed of information processing, memory, visuo-spatial abilities and attention. Cognitive deficits are one of the main symptoms of MS. Recognition of these deficits is relevant both to the diagnosis and rehabilitation of this disorder.