Cognitive Function in Hospitalized Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by central nervous system lesions that can lead to severe cognitive and physical disability, as well as neurological deficits such as attention and memory decline. The complications may bring about many difficulties for patients in educational and occupational functioning and low quality of life. Objectives: Considering the remarkable prevalence of cognitive deficits and its important effects on the occupational and social functioning of MSpatients, this study was conducted to investigate cognitive deficits in these patients compared to a control group. Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 34 MS patients selected from among patients admitted to Imam Reza Hospital and Razi Psychiatric Hospital in Tabriz, Iran. Moreover, a control group of 34 age and gender-matched patients admitted to internal wards was formed. The Persian version of the paper and pencil cognitive assessment package (PCAP) was used to assess cognitive functions. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 software through descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Student t-test and Pearson’s correlation test). A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results of t-test showed that MS patients had lower PCAP mean scores than the control group in cognitive functions (executive function, attention, focus and work memory) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this preliminary study confirmed that MS patients suffered from cognitive impairments. The assessment of cognitive functions must be done in MS patients. Cognitive enhancement therapy would be helpful for afflicted patients.