Visuospatial problem solving, conceptual reasoning and sorting behaviour in multiple sclerosis out-patients

Visuospatial problem solving, conceptual reasoning and shifting of set were studied in out-patients with definite and probable MS. The sample of MS patients was homogeneous with respect to 2 important dimensions. All were out-patients, leading a normal although handicap-restricted social life. Furthermore, in all patients relapse or obvious instability of the disease were absent for at least a month. On Raven's Progressive Matrices, the Category test and the Wisconsin Modified Card Sorting test, no significant differences were found between the group of MS patients and a control group of healthy volunteers. However, 18% of MS patients and 4% of controls were rated as performing slightly below the expected levels of cognition. Stepwise regression analysis failed to reveal effects of illness variables, and no difference between patients with definite and probable MS could be detected. Clearly, most socially integrated MS patients in stable disease stages are capable of normal visuospatial problem solving, abstract reasoning and shifting of set.