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Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: An 18 year follow-up study
Lauren B Strober1, Stephen M Rao2, Jar-Chi Lee2
1Kessler Foundation, 300 Executive Drive, Suite 70, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA; Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|April 17, 2015
Summary
Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses over 18 years, affecting processing speed and memory. Even initially unimpaired patients showed declines, highlighting the long-term impact of MS on cognition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment affects 40-65% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- The long-term rate and pattern of cognitive decline in MS are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate long-term cognitive changes in MS patients.
- To analyze cognitive trajectory over 18 years in a clinical trial cohort.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 22 MS patients.
- Neuropsychological testing at baseline and 18-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant declines observed in processing speed, attention, memory, and visual construction over 18 years.
- Cognitive impairment prevalence increased from 41% at baseline to 59% at follow-up.
- The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) showed a steeper decline in initially unimpaired patients.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive impairment in MS is progressive over an 18-year period.
- Declines are most pronounced in cognitive domains known to be sensitive to MS.
- The study underscores the long-term impact of MS on cognitive function.
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