Processing speed test: Validation of a self-administered, iPad^®-based tool for screening cognitive dysfunction in a...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Neurology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS), impacting daily life but is not routinely assessed.
• The Processing Speed Test (PST) was developed as a self-administered iPad-based tool to measure processing speed deficits in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the PST for screening cognitive dysfunction in MS patients.
• To compare the PST's performance against the established Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).

Main Methods:

• Assessed PST test-retest reliability.
• Evaluated sensitivity of PST and SDMT in distinguishing MS patients from healthy controls (HC).
• Examined convergent validity between PST and SDMT, and correlations with T2 lesion load.

Main Results:

• PST exhibited excellent test-retest reliability and high correlation with SDMT.
• PST showed slightly greater sensitivity than SDMT in discriminating between MS patients and HC.
• PST correlated better with cerebral T2 lesion load than SDMT, and administration was not affected by technician presence.

Conclusions:

• The PST is a practical and efficient tool for routine screening of processing speed deficits in MS clinics.
• PST offers advantages in administration, scoring, and integration potential compared to the SDMT.
• PST facilitates better clinical assessment and management of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.