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Updated: Sep 4, 2025
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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
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Looking Beyond Physical Disability: Cognitive Impairment in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Shelley Lott1, Rebecca Koszalinski2, Maria Hurt3
1Cole Neuroscience Multiple Sclerosis Center/University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, USA.
Summary
Cognitive impairment screening in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains low, even after education. Less than half of eligible persons with MS were screened, indicating education alone is insufficient for behavior change.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuropsychology
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Cognitive impairment (CI) is a significant disability in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
- Underdiagnosis of CI in PwMS is common.
- Current guidelines recommend regular cognitive screening for PwMS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To educate clinicians on multiple sclerosis (MS) cognitive impairment guidelines.
- To implement cognitive screening for PwMS using a validated tool.
- To improve the detection and management of CI in PwMS.
Main Methods:
- Staff education on 2018 National Multiple Sclerosis Society guidelines for CI.
- Cognitive screening of PwMS using the Processing Speed Test (PST).
- Data collection over a 3-month period from 50 eligible patients.
Main Results:
- Only 21 (42%) of eligible PwMS underwent cognitive screening.
- Nine (42.9%) of screened PwMS were found to have cognitive impairment.
- Cognitive impairment correlated with employment status and age, with lower scores in older and unemployed individuals.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive screening rates in PwMS remain low despite educational interventions.
- Education alone is insufficient to change clinical behavior regarding CI screening.
- Alternative strategies are needed to improve cognitive screening adherence in PwMS.
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