COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: INFLUENCE OF CLINICAL VARIABLES

Abstract

In this unprecedented study in Iran, 30 ambulatory cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), and 30 demographicallv matched normal control (NC) cases were evaluated by a brief cognitive screening test. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Mini- Mental State Examination (MMSE). Mean scores of the BDl were significantly different in the MS and NC groups, while the mean MMSE scores were not. At least 11 patients were considered cognitivelv impaired. These cases were older at the. time of testing and of symptom onset. Cognitive dysfunction was significantly more common in patients with secondan progressive course compared to the. cases with remitting - relapsing course. Mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was higher in the cognitivelv impaired cases. No significant difference was observed in the mean BDl scores of the cognitivelv intact and impaired cases. This studv provides an estimate of the frequency of cognitive dysfunction in ambulatory cases "f MS. and suggests a correlation between much deficits and age sympton onset, disease course, and piiysica! disability but not depression.