Journal
APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Volume 14, Issue 2, Pages 101-112Publisher
PSYCHOLOGY PRESS
DOI: 10.1080/09084280701319938
Keywords
cognition; multiple sclerosis; multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC); neuropsychological assessment; paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT)
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The PASAT, as a part of the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite, is used as a sole measure of cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials. In the present study, we evaluated the fequency and characteristics of cognitive impairment among relapsing remitting MS patients. Using a comprehensive neuropsychological examination as the ' goldcn standard, we assessed PASAT's sensitivity and specificity in MS-related cognitive impairment as well as factors possibly confounding PASAT performance. Forty-five relapsing-remitting MS patients and 48 healthy controls were studied using PASAT and a comprehensive neuropsychological examination. The frequency of cognitive dysfunction among MS patients was 42%. Cognitive impairment in MS was heterogeneous in nature but characterized, especially, by reduced information-processing ability and memory deficits. PASAT's sensitivity for patients' cognitive impairment was 74% and specificity 65%. Misclassification of cognitive impairment seemed to be associated with self-reported nervousness and poor arithmetic skills. Although PASAT offers satisfactory sensitivity in detecting the presence of cognitive impairment, its specificity may be limited by confounding factors.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available