Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025
11:35
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
58.1K
Real-time associations among MS symptoms and cognitive dysfunction using ecological momentary assessment
Michelle H Chen1,2, Christine Cherian1, Karen Elenjickal1
1Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.
Frontiers in Medicine
|January 30, 2023
Summary
This study reveals that worsening non-cognitive symptoms like fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients significantly impact real-time cognitive performance. These fluctuations highlight the importance of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) for monitoring MS symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents diverse disabling symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain.
- Understanding real-time symptom fluctuations is crucial for effective MS management and patient well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate real-time associations between non-cognitive and cognitive symptoms in individuals with MS.
- To differentiate factors influencing objectively and subjectively measured cognitive functioning using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).
Main Methods:
- Forty-five MS patients participated in a 3-week EMA study, completing assessments four times daily via smartphone.
- Objective cognitive function was assessed using mobile Trail-Making Test part B (mTMT-B) and a finger tapping task.
- Subjective symptom severity (fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain) and cognitive dysfunction were self-reported in real-time.
Main Results:
- Worsening depressive symptoms correlated with poorer mTMT-B performance, independent of motor function.
- Increased severity of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain were associated with more severe self-reported cognitive dysfunction.
- Cognitive fluctuations were linked to symptom severity exceeding individual baseline levels, not absolute symptom levels.
Conclusions:
- The study identified distinct factors influencing real-time subjective and objective cognitive function in MS.
- Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is valuable for tracking real-time cognitive fluctuations in MS patients.
- Symptom exacerbations, rather than absolute symptom levels, drive cognitive variability in MS.
