Assessment of executive functions: Planning, interference and mental flexibility in subjects with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease due to progressive demyelination of the nerve fibers that make up the white matter of the central nervous system. According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, this disease is clearly increasing, affecting on average, a young and active population. This has implications at the socioprofessional level. All studies converge to underline the cognitive decline, including executive functions, in this population. These information processing processes are essential for adapting to new situations for which there are no pre-established operating patterns. In line with previous studies, the present study aims to assess three executive functions, such as planning, interference and mental flexibility, in 30 subjects with multiple sclerosis divided into two groups. One group consists of 15 subjects with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), and the other group consists of 15 subjects with Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS). They are compared to a group of 15 healthy subjects. The results of the statistical analysis show a clear inferiority in terms of raw score and completion time for the MS and SPMS subjects compared to the RRMS subjects. This can be explained by a significant slowdown in the speed of information processing, according to the scientific literature.