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The effects of aging and disease duration on cognition in multiple sclerosis

Alexandra Tremblay1, Kim Charest1, Estefania Brando1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montreal H3C 3P8, Canada.

Brain and Cognition
|November 19, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aging significantly impacts cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS). While MS accentuates cognitive decline, especially in executive function and processing speed, age is the primary factor affecting cognitive abilities in persons with MS.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Clinical Neurology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease impacting cognitive functions.
  • Increasing life expectancy and incidence of late-onset MS necessitate understanding its cognitive effects in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of MS, aging, and disease duration on cognitive functioning.
  • To specifically examine cognitive performance in persons with MS (PwMS) aged 50 and over.

Main Methods:

  • Neuropsychological evaluation of 84 PwMS (categorized by age of onset and age group) and 50 healthy controls.
  • Statistical analyses including ANCOVAs and hierarchical linear regressions to assess cognitive performance.

Main Results:

  • Significant interaction between age and MS presence on higher executive functions and processing speed/working memory.
  • Age demonstrated a substantial impact on all cognitive functions, while disease duration showed a trend only for processing speed/working memory after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions:

  • MS exacerbates age-related decline in executive functions and processing speed/working memory.
  • Age is the most significant factor influencing cognition in PwMS; the impact of age and MS on memory is independent.
Keywords:
CognitionDisease durationMultiple sclerosisaging

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