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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Impaired social cognition in multiple sclerosis
Jana Pöttgen1, Isabel Dziobek, Susan Reh
1Institute for Neuroimmunology and Clinical MS Research, Centre for Molecular Neurobiology, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg D-20246, Germany. j.poettgen@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|January 15, 2013
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients exhibit impaired social cognition, specifically in theory of mind (ToM). These deficits in identifying emotions and intentions occur early in MS and are independent of cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a CNS disorder causing inflammation and neurodegeneration.
- MS is linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms and reduced quality of life.
- Social support is vital for MS patients, relying on social cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess social cognition in MS patients using a video-based test.
- Investigate theory of mind (ToM) deficits in MS.
- Determine if ToM impairments are independent of depression and cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- 45 MS outpatients and 45 healthy controls (HCs) participated.
- Standardized testing with the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition was used.
- MS patients underwent a neuropsychological test battery.
Main Results:
- MS patients showed significantly impaired ToM compared to HCs.
- Emotion identification deficits were more pronounced than thought or intention identification.
- Impaired ToM was observed in early MS stages, even with limited disability and no major cognitive deficits.
Conclusions:
- MS is associated with impaired social cognition.
- ToM deficits in MS may not solely result from neuropsychological deficits.
- Difficulties in social cognition can lead to interpersonal issues and increase the psychosocial burden in MS.
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