Cognitive deficits in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Introduction Awareness of neuropsychological deficits during routine neurological examination appears to be limited in patients with early stage multiple sclerosis. However, cognitive deficits, in particular of memory, attention and visual-spatial abilities can substantially influence the quality of life despite the absence of physical disability. Patients and Methods We evaluated a homogeneous group of female patients (n = 27, 24 - 46-years old) with relapsing-remitting MS with minor (EDSS >= 2 - 5.5) or no (EDSS <= 1.5) physical disabilities using an extensive neuropsychological test battery and compared them with age- and IQ-matched healthy women (n = 16). Results Cognitive deficits were present with respect to attention, phasic alertness-reactions and shared attention. Visuo-spatial abilities were impaired in patients with low scores on the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) compared to normal control subjects, as well as non-verbal memory, recognition of faces and subcomponents of attention. Discussion Detection of neuropsychological deficits in patients at an early stage of multiple sclerosis has to be taken into account with respect to assessment of quality of life, therapies and course of the disease.