Cognitive reserve moderates decline in information processing speed in multiple sclerosis patients

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 829-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
RALPH H.B. BENEDICT ◽  
SARAH A. MORROW ◽  
BIANCA WEINSTOCK GUTTMAN ◽  
DIANE COOKFAIR ◽  
DAVID J. SCHRETLEN
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
The North ◽  
Premorbid Intelligence ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

AbstractCognitive reserve is widely recognized as a moderator of cognitive decline in patients with senile dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. The same effect may occur in multiple sclerosis (MS), an immunologic disorder affecting the central nervous system. While MS is traditionally considered an inflammatory, white matter disease, degeneration of gray matter is increasingly recognized as the primary contributor to progressive cognitive decline. Our aim was to determine if individual differences in estimated cognitive reserve protect against the progression of cognitive dysfunction in MS. Ninety-one patients assessed twice roughly 5 years apart were identified retrospectively. Cognitive testing emphasized mental processing speed. Cognitive reserve was estimated by years of education and by performance on the North American Adult Reading Test (NAART). After controlling for baseline characteristics, both years of education (p = .013) and NAART scores (p = .049) significantly improved regression models predicting cognitive decline. Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) performance showed no significant change in patients with > 14 years of education, whereas it declined significantly in patients with ≤ 14 years of education. We conclude that greater cognitive reserve as indexed by either higher premorbid intelligence or more years of education protects against the progression of cognitive dysfunction in MS. (JINS, 2010, 16, 829–835.)

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
U Nocentini ◽  
P Pasqualetti ◽  
S Bonavita ◽  
M Buccafusca ◽  
M F De Caro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Clinical Markers ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Relapsing Remitting

Cognitive dysfunction is considered one of the clinical markers of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, in the literature there are inconsistent reports on the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, and separate data for the relapsing-remitting (RR) type of the disease are not always presented. In this study, we submitted 461 RRMS patients to a battery of neuropsychological tests to investigate their impairment in various cognitive domains. As a consequence of the exclusion criteria, the sample is not fully representative of the entire population of RRMS patients. In this selected sample, when only the eight scores of a core battery (Mental Deterioration Battery) were considered (with respective cutoffs), it emerged that 31% of the patients were affected by some degree of cognitive deficit. In particular, 15% had mild, 11.2% moderate and 4.8% had severe impairment. Information processing speed was the most frequently impaired area, followed by memory. When two other tests (SDMT and MCST) were added and cognitive domains were considered, it emerged that 39.3% of the patients were impaired in two or more domains. When four subgroups were obtained by means of cluster analysis and then compared, it emerged that information processing speed and memory deficits differentiated the still cognitively unimpaired from the mildly impaired MS patients. Significant associations were found between cognitive and clinical characteristics. However, due to the large sample size, clinically irrelevant relationships may also have emerged. Even with the limitations imposed by the sample selection and the possible underestimation of the prevalence and severity of cognitive dysfunction, these results seem to provide further evidence that information processing speed deficit may be an early and important marker of cognitive impairment in MS patients.

scholarly journals Information Processing Speed Assessed with Letter Digit Substitution Test in Croatian Sample of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Diagnostics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Ana Jerković ◽  
Meri Matijaca ◽  
Ana Proroković ◽  
Anđela Šikić ◽  
Vana Košta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Medication Therapy ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
The Impact

Cognitive impairment is a common complaint in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The study objective was to determine the psychometric properties of the letter digit substitution test (LDST) that measures information processing speed and to investigate the impact of relevant predictors of LDST achievement in pwMS. The design was cross-sectional. The study included 87 pwMS and 154 control subjects. The validity of LDST was examined, and a hierarchical regression model was used to explore relevant predictors of LDST success. The LDST had excellent construct validity, as expressed by differences between pwMS and control subjects. Convergent validity of the LDST was supported by a significant moderate correlation with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) (ρ = −0.36; p < 0.05) and a significantly strong correlation with the multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29) physical subscale (r = −0.64; p < 0.01). The LDTS score well differentiated the pwMS considering age, education, EDSS, disease duration, comorbidity, and medication therapy. Using the LDST as a criterion variable in pwMS results showed consistent evidence for the age, education, and EDSS impact on LDST performance. The best cut-off score of ≤35 discriminated the control and MS group. LDST proved to be a valid test for assessing information processing speed in pwMS.

scholarly journals Visual-Attentional Load Unveils Slowed Processing Speed in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study with a Tablet-Based Videogame

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 871
Author(s):  
Marco Pitteri ◽  
Caterina Dapor ◽  
Stefano Ziccardi ◽  
Maddalena Guandalini ◽  
Riccardo Meggiato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Attentional Load ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Classic Paper

Slowing in information processing speed (IPS) is the key cognitive deficit in multiple sclerosis (MS). Testing IPS in different cognitive load conditions by using computerized tools might reveal initial IPS slowness underestimated by classic paper-and-pencil tests. To investigate the extent to which IPS can be affected by increased task demands, we developed three tasks based on the manipulation of the visual-attentional load, delivered with a home-made, tablet-based videogame. Fifty-one patients with MS (pwMS), classified as having no cognitive impairment in classic paper-and-pencil tests, and 20 healthy controls (HC) underwent the videogame tasks; reaction times (RTs) and accuracy were recorded. A significant reduced performance of pwMS as compared with HC was found on the videogame tasks, with pwMS being on average slower and less accurate than HC. Furthermore, pwMS showed a significantly more pronounced decrement in accuracy as a function of the visual-attentional load, suggesting a higher susceptibility to increased task demands. Significant correlations among the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the videogame mean RTs and accuracy were found, providing evidence for the concurrent validity of the videogame as a valid tool to test IPS in pwMS. The high potential that might derive from the adoption of computerized assessment tools in clinical practice should be taken into consideration and investigated further.

A Videogame-Based Approach to Measuring Information Processing Speed in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-120
Author(s):  
Marco Pitteri ◽  
Caterina Dapor ◽  
Stefano Ziccardi ◽  
Maddalena Guandalini ◽  
Riccardo Meggiato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Revisiting cognitive reserve and cognition in multiple sclerosis: A closer look at depression

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viral P Patel ◽  
Lisa AS Walker ◽  
Anthony Feinstein
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The protective effect of cognitive reserve (CR) on cognition in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) has been well described. Objective: To explore the relationship between aspects of CR, namely, leisure pursuits and depression. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a sample of 155 PwMS and 115 healthy controls (HC) underwent cognitive testing with the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) battery. Leisure activity was retrospectively recorded using the Leisure Activity Scale (LAS). Depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: PwMS demonstrated greater decreases in leisure activity over time compared to the HC group, particularly in the past year ( p < 0.001). Here, depression accounted for 17% of the variance in determining the level of leisure activity ( p < 0.001). Premorbid IQ and leisure activity within the past year emerged as significant predictors of information processing speed, learning, memory and executive function. After controlling for depression, the influence of leisure activity on cognition was insignificant. Conclusion: Depression can cause significant changes in behaviour which can influence indices of CR, such as leisure pursuits. Successfully treating depression may lead to a more active lifestyle thereby offsetting in part the cognitive burden of disease.

scholarly journals Cognitive Decline in Multiple Sclerosis Is Related to the Progression of Retinal Atrophy and Presence of Oligoclonal Bands: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasa Giedraitiene ◽  
Egle Drukteiniene ◽  
Rasa Kizlaitiene ◽  
Andrius Cimbalas ◽  
Rimvydas Asoklis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Brain Atrophy ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Oligoclonal Bands ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Rnfl Thickness

Background: Brain atrophy, which is associated with cognitive impairment and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) atrophy, is the main biomarker of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, data on the relationship between inflammatory markers, such as oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and cognition, RNFL atrophy, and brain atrophy are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of RNFL thickness, brain atrophy markers, intrathecal OCBs, and the immunoglobulin G (IgG) index on cognitive decline over a 5-year period in patients with MS.Methods: This prospective, single-center, observational cohort study included 49 patients with relapsing MS followed up over 5 years. At baseline, the patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cognitive evaluation was performed using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS), and RNFL thickness was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCBs and IgG levels in the CSF were evaluated at baseline. The BICAMS, OCT, and MRI findings were re-evaluated after 5 years.Results: A significant reduction in information processing speed, visual learning, temporal RNFL thickness, the Huckman index, and third ventricle mean diameter was found in all 49 patients with relapsing MS over the observation period (p &lt; 0.05). Of the patients, 63.3% had positive OCBs and 59.2% had elevated IgG indices. The atrophy of the temporal segment and papillomacular bundle and the presence of OCBs were significantly related to a decline in information processing speed in these patients (p &lt; 0.05). However, brain atrophy markers were not found to be significant on the general linear models.Conclusions: RNFL atrophy and the presence of OCBs were related to cognitive decline in patients with MS over a 5-year follow-up period, thereby suggesting their utility as potential biomarkers of cognitive decline in MS.

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