Early detection of cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis with an emphasis on the speed and efficiency of information processing. It was supposed to reveal the patterns of these disorders depending on the duration and severity of the disease. Material and methods. The study included 50 patients with established diagnosis of clinically significant multiple sclerosis, a relapsing-remitting course. The EDSS score was evaluated. Cognitive functions were assessed using SDMT and PASAT-3 tests. All patients underwent a study of cognitive evoked potential. All examined patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the duration of the disease. Results. Cognitive screening tests PASSAT and SDMT showed no correlation with the duration of the disease severity and cannot serve as a tool for screening early signs of cognitive impairment in young patients with multiple sclerosis. A significant increase in latency of the P300 potential was obtained with increasing duration and severity of the disease, which correlates with the severity of cognitive dysfunction. Conclusion. This study is the initial step in the search for a tool for screening early manifestations of cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis. In the future it is planned to expand the research with the modernization of its design.

Keywords

• cognitive evoked potential
• cognitive impairment
• cognitive screening scales
• Expanded Disability Status Scale
• multiple sclerosis