Distraction adds to the cognitive burden in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive dysfunction is a significant challenge for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), impacting daily life.
• Current cognitive assessment methods may not fully capture the complexities of MS-related cognitive deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an improved cognitive assessment tool for MS by incorporating real-world distracters.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a modified computerized Symbol Digit Modalities Test (c-SDMT) with distracters.

Main Methods:

• 99 individuals with MS and 55 healthy controls were assessed using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS).
• Participants completed a modified computerized Symbol Digit Modalities Test (c-SDMT), with half experiencing the test including real-world distracters and half without.
• Performance metrics included time to completion and impairment rates compared to traditional and non-distracter versions.

Main Results:

• Individuals with MS took significantly longer to complete the c-SDMT, regardless of distracters.
• A higher percentage of MS subjects showed impairment on the c-SDMT with distracters compared to the traditional SDMT.
• The distracter version demonstrated high sensitivity (81%) and specificity (88%) in identifying global cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

• Integrating real-world distracters enhances the sensitivity of the c-SDMT for detecting cognitive impairment in MS.
• This modified c-SDMT offers a practical and effective method for assessing cognitive function in people with MS.