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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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Cognitive function is associated with risk of conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: A
Omid Mirmosayyeb1, Ida Mohammadi2, Shahryar Rajai Firouzabadi2
1Department of Neurology, Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Cognitive impairment, particularly on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), predicts conversion from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). These findings support using cognitive tests to monitor MS progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Predicting conversion from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is crucial for managing patients.
- Cognitive function's role in RRMS progression is known, but its link to SPMS conversion needs further investigation.
- The DAAE score was developed to assess SPMS conversion risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between cognitive function and the risk of conversion from RRMS to SPMS.
- To assess the utility of the DAAE score in predicting SPMS conversion.
- To identify specific cognitive tests that are robust predictors of conversion risk.
Main Methods:
- The DAAE score (0-12) was used to categorize patients into low and high five-year SPMS conversion risk groups.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II).
- Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses examined the relationship between cognitive scores and conversion risk.
Main Results:
- A total of 217 people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) were included.
- DAAE score showed moderate correlations with SDMT and BVMT-R, and weak correlations with PASAT and CVLT-II.
- SDMT, BVMT-R, PASAT, and CVLT-II were independently associated with conversion risk, with SDMT being the most robust predictor (beta = -0.093, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Lower cognitive performance, especially on the SDMT, is linked to an increased risk of RRMS to SPMS conversion.
- The study supports integrating standardized neuropsychological tests, like SDMT, into clinical practice for monitoring MS conversion risk.
- Cognitive assessments offer valuable insights beyond traditional clinical measures for predicting disease progression in PwMS.
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