Including a subject-paced trial may make the PASAT more acceptable for MS patients.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is a standard tool for assessing cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• However, the traditional PASAT can cause patient distress, potentially leading to test refusal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare a subject-paced PASAT with the standard experimenter-paced version.
• To analyze cognitive function, disability, fatigue, depression, and anxiety in MS patients using both PASAT formats.

Main Methods:

• A population-based sample of 34 MS patients was evaluated.
• Both standard (experimenter-paced with varying ISIs) and subject-paced PASAT conditions were administered.
• A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and measures of fatigue, anxiety, and depression were used.

Main Results:

• Subject-paced PASAT performance showed significant correlations with cognitive measures.
• The subject-paced PASAT correlated even higher with information processing speed, executive function, attention, and working memory than the standard PASAT.
• No significant associations were found between PASAT performance and fatigue, anxiety, or depression.

Conclusions:

• The subject-paced PASAT measures the same cognitive functions as the standard version in MS patients.
• This modified PASAT procedure may enhance patient experience and compliance.
• The findings suggest a more user-friendly approach to cognitive assessment in MS.