Is Speed of Processing or Working Memory the Primary Information Processing Deficit in Multiple Sclerosis?

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 550-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
John DeLuca ◽  
Gordon J. Chelune ◽  
David S. Tulsky ◽  
Jean Lengenfelder ◽  
Nancy D. Chiaravalloti
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Processing Deficit

scholarly journals T1 Relaxation Times in the Cortex and Thalamus Are Associated With Working Memory and Information Processing Speed in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Thaler ◽  
Isabelle Hartramph ◽  
Jan-Patrick Stellmann ◽  
Christoph Heesen ◽  
Maxim Bester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
T1 Mapping ◽  
Relaxation Times ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
T1 Relaxation

Background: Cortical and thalamic pathologies have been associated with cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).Objective: We aimed to quantify cortical and thalamic damage in patients with MS using a high-resolution T1 mapping technique and to evaluate the association of these changes with clinical and cognitive impairment.Methods: The study group consisted of 49 patients with mainly relapsing-remitting MS and 17 age-matched healthy controls who received 3T MRIs including a T1 mapping sequence (MP2RAGE). Mean T1 relaxation times (T1-RT) in the cortex and thalami were compared between patients with MS and healthy controls. Additionally, correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between MRI parameters and clinical and cognitive disability.Results: Patients with MS had significantly decreased normalized brain, gray matter, and white matter volumes, as well as increased T1-RT in the normal-appearing white matter, compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Partial correlation analysis with age, sex, and disease duration as covariates revealed correlations for T1-RT in the cortex (r = −0.33, p < 0.05), and thalami (right thalamus: r = −0.37, left thalamus: r = −0.50, both p < 0.05) with working memory and information processing speed, as measured by the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test.Conclusion: T1-RT in the cortex and thalamus correlate with information processing speed in patients with MS.

Neuropsychological Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Hansen ◽  
Stefan Lautenbacher
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
The Past ◽  
Extensive Test ◽  
Screening Procedures

Abstract. Neuropsychological deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) are common. Over the past decades, many different procedures have been employed in diagnosing these deficits. Even though certain aspects of cognitive performance such as information processing speed and working memory may be affected more frequently than other cognitive functions, no specific deficit profile has been established in MS. This article provides an overview of the neuropsychological diagnostic procedures in MS and allows the reader to reach an informed decision on the applicability of specific procedures and the availability of study data in the context of MS. Additionally, it makes recommendations on the compilation of both screening procedures and extensive test batteries.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study to Assess At-Home Speed of Processing Training for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Lindsay Barker ◽  
Brian C. Healy ◽  
Emily Chan ◽  
Kaitlynne Leclaire ◽  
Bonnie I. Glanz
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
At Home

Objective. Cognitive impairment is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet treatment is currently limited. The primary goal of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home, five-week computerized speed of processing (SOP) training intervention for MS patients. In addition, we examined the utility of the intervention to improve speed of information processing, memory, executive function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Method. Fifteen subjects were assigned five weeks of SOP training, two times per week, for a total of ten sessions. Subjects were trained on five computerized SOP tasks that required processing of increasingly complex visual stimuli in successively shorter presentation times. Subjects were given a neuropsychological test battery that included measures of speed of information processing, verbal memory, visual spatial memory, and executive function. Subjects were also administered patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to assess HRQOL, depression, and work productivity. Neuropsychological and PRO batteries were completed at baseline and after five weeks. Results. Eighty percent of subjects completed the five-week intervention (n = 12). Significant improvements were observed on some, but not all, measures of speed of information processing, verbal memory, and executive function. There were no significant changes in HRQOL. Conclusion. This pilot study supports the feasibility of an at-home SOP training intervention for individuals with MS. SOP training was associated with improvements in several cognitive domains. Larger, randomized controlled trials are warranted.

scholarly journals Design, Development, and Testing of an App for Dual-Task Assessment and Training Regarding Cognitive-Motor Interference (CMI-APP) in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Multicenter Pilot Study

10.2196/15344 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e15344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Tacchino ◽  
Renee Veldkamp ◽  
Karin Coninx ◽  
Jens Brulmans ◽  
Steven Palmaers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Motor Tasks ◽  
Assessment Tests

Background Interest toward dual-task training (DTT) is increasing as traditional interventions may not prepare patients to adequately face the challenges of most activities of daily living. These usually involve simultaneous cognitive and motor tasks, and they often show a decline in performance. Cognitive-motor interference (CMI) has been investigated in different neurological populations, but limited evidence is present for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The use of computerized tools is mandatory to allow the application of more standardized assessment and rehabilitation intervention protocols and easier implementation of multicenter and multilanguage studies. Objective To describe the design and development of CMI-APP, an adaptive and interactive technology tablet-based app, and to present the preliminary results of a multicenter pilot study involving people with MS performed in several European centers for evaluating the feasibility of and adherence to a rehabilitation program based on CMI-APP. Methods CMI-APP includes user-friendly interfaces for personal data input and management, assessment of CMI, and DTT. A dedicated team developed CMI-APP for Android tablets above API level 14 (version 4.0), using C# as the programming language and Unity and Visual Studio as development tools. Three cognitive assessment tests for working memory, information processing speed, and sustained attention and four motor assessment tests for walking at different difficulty levels were implemented. Dual cognitive-motor tasks were performed by combining single cognitive and motor tasks. CMI-APP implements exercises for DTT involving the following 12 cognitive functions: sustained attention, text comprehension, verbal fluency, auditory discrimination, visual discrimination, working memory, information processing speed, auditory memory, visual memory, verbal analog reasoning, visual analog reasoning, and visual spatial planning, which can be performed during walking or stepping on the spot. Fifteen people with MS (mean age 52.6, SD 8.6 years; mean disease duration 9.4, SD 8.4 years; mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score 3.6, SD 1.1) underwent DTT (20 sessions). Adherence to the rehabilitation program was evaluated according to the percentage of performed sessions, perceived exertion during the training (Borg 15-point Ratings of Perceived Exertion [RPE] Scale), and subjective experience of the training (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory [IMI]). Results The adherence rate was 91%. DTT was perceived as “somewhat difficult” (mean RPE Scale score 12.6, SD 1.9). IMI revealed that participants enjoyed the training and felt that it was valuable and, to some extent, important, without feelings of pressure. They felt competent, although they did not always feel they could choose the exercises, probably because the therapist chose the exercises and many exercises had few difficulty levels. Conclusions CMI-APP is safe, highly usable, motivating, and well accepted for DTT by people with MS. The findings are fundamental for the preparation of future large-sample studies examining CMI and the effectiveness of DTT interventions with CMI-APP in people with MS.

Impairments of attention in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H Paul ◽  
William W Beatty ◽  
Ronni Schneider ◽  
Carlos Blanco ◽  
Karen Hames
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Divided Attention ◽  
Matched Control ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Processing Task ◽  
Automatic Information Processing ◽  
Automatic Information ◽  
The Status

To investigate the status of attention in multiple sclerosis (MS) we administered tests of focused and divided attention to 39 MS patients and 18 age- and education-matched control subjects. In addition, a test of vigilance and a test of automatic information processing was administered. MS patients performed as well as controls on the automatic processing task and on most measures of focused and divided attention when accuracy but not speed was the dependent variable. By contrast, the MS patients performed significantly worse than controls on the more effortful measures of attention, especially those that engaged working memory or emphasized speeded responding. These results indicate that deficits of attention in MS patients are most likely to be evident on tasks which require concentrated cognitive effort.

scholarly journals Peculiarities of an assessment of a cognitive efficacy in multiple sclerosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Iryna Nikishkova ◽  
Damir Kutikov ◽  
Oleksandr Kutikov ◽  
Julia Kizurina
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Cognitive Deficit ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Evoked Potentials ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Poor Efficacy

A key cognitive deficit in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a poor efficacy of the information processing, with working memory impairments and a decreased speed of the information processing as components of formation of this poor efficacy. Despite of a sufficient number of single cognitive tests and test batteries, there are still essential knowledge gaps and methodological limitations connected with understanding and measurements of the cognitive deficit in MS. To study real reasons of changes of the cognitive efficacy in MS, a neurocognitive testing with the original computerized Set for Assessment of Cognitive Capacity and Switchability (сSACCAS), an assessment of levels anxiety/depression, and an assessment of level of fatigue were performed for 25 patients with MS (including 17 female patients) (with a mean age of 34.14 ± 2.13 years old) and 25 practically healthy persons (including 15 females) (with a mean age of 31.80 ± 2.60 years old). To determine neurophysiological correlates of the cognitive functioning, an examination of cognitive evoked potentials (CEP) was performed. An investigation of the distribution density of results of the MS patients’ testing defined 3 groups among them. These groups had differences on the time of performing of test tasks, the “real mistake ratio”, switchability, parameters of N2- and P3-components of CEP, a localization of a maximal P3 peak. The motor reaction speed was more connected with the attention and the information processing speed, than with a visual-spatial orientation, whereas the fatigue more influenced on the speed of comparison and decision making, than on the attention. In 44 % of cases, the time of reply in tests were increased by a slowing down of assessment of a stimulus modality; in 24 % of cases, a long delay of the reply was connected, besides of a low speed of cognitive processes, with impairments of a working memory. The results obtained confirmed a significance of an integrated approach to understand reasons of changes of the cognitive efficacy and to assess adequately cognitive impairments in MS. Key words: neurocognitive computerized tests, cognitive efficacy, cognitive evoked potentials, multiple sclerosis

scholarly journals Design, Development, and Testing of an App for Dual-Task Assessment and Training Regarding Cognitive-Motor Interference (CMI-APP) in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Multicenter Pilot Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Tacchino ◽  
Renee Veldkamp ◽  
Karin Coninx ◽  
Jens Brulmans ◽  
Steven Palmaers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Motor Tasks ◽  
Assessment Tests

BACKGROUND Interest toward dual-task training (DTT) is increasing as traditional interventions may not prepare patients to adequately face the challenges of most activities of daily living. These usually involve simultaneous cognitive and motor tasks, and they often show a decline in performance. Cognitive-motor interference (CMI) has been investigated in different neurological populations, but limited evidence is present for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The use of computerized tools is mandatory to allow the application of more standardized assessment and rehabilitation intervention protocols and easier implementation of multicenter and multilanguage studies. OBJECTIVE To describe the design and development of CMI-APP, an adaptive and interactive technology tablet-based app, and to present the preliminary results of a multicenter pilot study involving people with MS performed in several European centers for evaluating the feasibility of and adherence to a rehabilitation program based on CMI-APP. METHODS CMI-APP includes user-friendly interfaces for personal data input and management, assessment of CMI, and DTT. A dedicated team developed CMI-APP for Android tablets above API level 14 (version 4.0), using C# as the programming language and Unity and Visual Studio as development tools. Three cognitive assessment tests for working memory, information processing speed, and sustained attention and four motor assessment tests for walking at different difficulty levels were implemented. Dual cognitive-motor tasks were performed by combining single cognitive and motor tasks. CMI-APP implements exercises for DTT involving the following 12 cognitive functions: sustained attention, text comprehension, verbal fluency, auditory discrimination, visual discrimination, working memory, information processing speed, auditory memory, visual memory, verbal analog reasoning, visual analog reasoning, and visual spatial planning, which can be performed during walking or stepping on the spot. Fifteen people with MS (mean age 52.6, SD 8.6 years; mean disease duration 9.4, SD 8.4 years; mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score 3.6, SD 1.1) underwent DTT (20 sessions). Adherence to the rehabilitation program was evaluated according to the percentage of performed sessions, perceived exertion during the training (Borg 15-point Ratings of Perceived Exertion [RPE] Scale), and subjective experience of the training (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory [IMI]). RESULTS The adherence rate was 91%. DTT was perceived as “somewhat difficult” (mean RPE Scale score 12.6, SD 1.9). IMI revealed that participants enjoyed the training and felt that it was valuable and, to some extent, important, without feelings of pressure. They felt competent, although they did not always feel they could choose the exercises, probably because the therapist chose the exercises and many exercises had few difficulty levels. CONCLUSIONS CMI-APP is safe, highly usable, motivating, and well accepted for DTT by people with MS. The findings are fundamental for the preparation of future large-sample studies examining CMI and the effectiveness of DTT interventions with CMI-APP in people with MS.

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