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Memory deficits and early cognitive deterioration in MS
P Kujala1, R Portin, J Ruutiainen
1Masku Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, Finland.
Introduction:
In the present study, the pattern of memory and learning deficits in two cognitively different, but clinically and demographically similar, multiple sclerosis (MS) groups was compared.
Material & Methods:
23 patients represented the cognitively preserved MS group and 22 patients the MS group with early cognitive decline. A control group of 35 healthy controls was also included. The cognitive status of the subjects was defined using the Mild Deterioration Battery (MDB). Furthermore, all subjects were given a set of memory and learning tests and were instructed to evaluate the frequency of their memory and learning difficulties. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was also administered to all subjects.
Results:
The cognitively deteriorated patients, even those with normal MMSE performance, showed widespread memory and learning deficits, but adequate self-evaluation of their everyday memory and learning difficulties. The preserved group, in turn, performed similarly to the controls.
Conclusion:
Widespread memory and learning deficits are associated with relatively mild cognitive decline in MS. These deficits were observable in the intermediate-length screening battery, the MDB, but not in the MMSE. The present study suggests that the accuracy of patients' own evaluations of their memory and other cognitive problems is superior to the results of very brief screening batteries, like the MMSE. Therefore, brief screening in neuropsychological assessment of MS patients is not recommendable.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with mild cognitive decline show significant memory and learning deficits, even with normal Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Patient self-assessment of cognitive issues is more accurate than brief screening tools.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting cognitive functions.
- Memory and learning deficits are common in MS, but their detection can be challenging.
- Comparing cognitive patterns in different MS patient groups is crucial for understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare memory and learning deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with varying cognitive statuses.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different screening tools in detecting cognitive decline in MS.
- To assess the accuracy of patient self-evaluation of cognitive difficulties.
Main Methods:
- The study included 23 cognitively preserved MS patients, 22 MS patients with early cognitive decline, and 35 healthy controls.
- Cognitive status was assessed using the Mild Deterioration Battery (MDB) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
- Memory and learning tests were administered, and participants self-reported their cognitive difficulties.
Main Results:
- MS patients with early cognitive decline exhibited widespread memory and learning deficits, irrespective of MMSE performance.
- The cognitively preserved MS group performed comparably to healthy controls.
- Patients with cognitive decline accurately self-evaluated their memory and learning challenges.
Conclusions:
- Mild cognitive decline in MS is associated with significant, yet often undetected, memory and learning deficits.
- The Mild Deterioration Battery (MDB) identified deficits missed by the MMSE.
- Patient self-assessment of cognitive function is more reliable than very brief screening tools like the MMSE for MS neuropsychological evaluation.