Learning as a digital hallmark of cognition in multiple sclerosis: lessons from a digital symbol digit modalities...

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often causes cognitive impairment that significantly impacts functional independence. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is the gold standard for screening and monitoring cognitive functioning in people with MS (pwMS). Electronic SDMT (eSDMT) adaptations offer potential for remote monitoring and capturing more detailed performance metrics, compared to conventional pen-and-paper administration.

This study aimed to evaluate novel metrics derived from a validated eSDMT to enhance cognitive assessment and detect cognitive impairment in pwMS.

We included 93 pwMS who performed an eSDMT which enables automatic collection of single-stimulus reaction times (RTs) and accuracy of responses. We investigated Performance Index-a scoring metric based on speed and accuracy-and the slope of individual RTs during the eSDMT task, which reflects response speed changes. We assessed the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of Performance Index, as well as the impact of sociodemographic variables. Correlations with gold-standard cognitive tests of learning (California Verbal Learning Test, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test) were also explored. Hierarchical linear and logistic regression analyses were used to predict oral SDMT scores and broader cognitive impairment, respectively.

Participants exhibited improving RTs as the eSDMT progressed, reflecting generalized intra-trial learning. eSDMT Performance Index showed excellent concurrent validity with oral SDMT score, good-to-excellent test-retest reliability for remote administration, and excellent discriminant validity in detecting cognitive impairment. Including response speed trends further improved oral SDMT score prediction and detection of cognitive impairment. Response speed improvements correlated with higher scores at gold-standard neuropsychological tests of learning.

Intra-trial learning metrics can enhance the validity of digital cognitive testing in pwMS. Future research should explore the predictive value of these metrics, particularly in remote and autonomous scenarios. The ability to collect reliable information on multiple cognitive processes in a cost- and time-effective manner via digital testing could significantly improve both clinical care and research.