A description of processing speed, learning and memory in people with multiple sclerosis aged 55
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Updated: May 20, 2025
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Sharon Lynch1, Sara Baker1, Muhammad Nashatizadeh1
1Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow BLVD, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
Background:
Approximately half of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) have cognitive difficulties, including problems with executive functioning, attention, learning, memory and information processing speed. Aging is also associated with declines in cognition. It is unclear if pwMS show a more rapid cognitive decline as they age.
Objective:
To describe information processing speed, memory, and learning in an older sample, while taking into account polypharmacy and common age-related comorbidities.
Methods:
Ninety-nine people, 55 years and older, with and without MS completed the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and a validated comorbidity questionnaire. Polypharmacy along with anticholinergic and sedative medication burden were also assessed.
Results:
When controlling for age, gender and education, older pwMS demonstrated worse performance than people without MS (pwoMS) on tests of information processing speed, learning and delayed recall (all p<.01). However, age-related cognitive decline was comparable between pwMS and pwoMS.
Conclusion:
In this sample, pwMS demonstrated worse cognitive function than non-neurologic controls. However, the effects of advancing age on cognition appear to impact pwMS and non-neurologic controls similarly.
