Word finding difficulties in multiple sclerosis and its relation to cognitive impairment, fatigue and depression

Although word-finding difficulties (WFD) are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS), they remain poorly understood. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify several important practical and theoretical challenges, including key knowledge gaps related to understanding and measuring aspects of language deficit in MS (i.e., WFD). Further investigations of possible correlates of deficits with other symptoms of MS (i.e., such as depression, fatigue and cognitive impairment) were also carried out as part of this study to find out if WFD is a standalone symptom or is a part of a broader and complex symptom of MS.

In this cohort study, all data from 586 consecutive Persons with MS (PwMS) (137 males and 449 females), with a mean age of 47.1 (SD±10.34) and a median EDSS score of 2.0, were included. A standardized naming task was used as part of a computerized cognitive assessment battery (CAB, NeuroTrax™) with computer-based administration and off-site scoring that has been validated for use in PwMS to determine the associations between cognitive impairment (CI), fatigue, and depression in WFD.

A significant correlation (r = 0.327) was noted in this study between cognitive impairment and WFD (p < 0.001). PwMS with CI had a higher rate of WFD (i.e., 43.2%) as compared to individuals with WFD despite not having CI (i.e., 13.9%). Disability (EDSS), disease duration, depression and fatigue, were not correlated with WFD.

WFD are most likely part of a larger underlying problem (i.e., CI), but there is a small group of persons with MS and WFD who have isolated WFD. Findings of this study have implications for activities of daily living (ADLs) and therapy for rehabilitation professionals working with PwMS.