Abstract
In order to evaluate cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) neuropsychological tests were administered to 25 patients with clinically definite disease. Four (16%) showed diffuse cognitive impairment, whereas the others, compared with controls showed a specific deficit on tests known to be sensitive to frontal lobe damage. These results are interpreted in the light of current hypotheses relating to subcortical contributions in cognition.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS)
In this study we have examined a sample of 25 subjects (22 females and three males) with clinical definite MS according to criteria proposed by McAlpine and coworkers (1972)
In order to assess possible correlations between MS patients' cognitive performances and some clinical variables of the disease, a Global Performance Index (GPI) for every subject was calculated according to standard criteria (Caltagirone et ai., 1987)
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The pathological lesions are mostly located in the white matter small plaques may be found in grey matter and in the white-grey matter junction (Brownell and Hughes, 1962). Phases ofexacerbation and periods of remission generally characterize the clinical course of the disease and a chronic-progressive course, rarely observed in the early stages, becomes frequent in advanced stages of the disease (Silberberg, 1977). Since demyelinating plaques can be located anywhere in the CNS, neurological signs and symptoms vary considerably. The most frequently observed symptoms reflect involvement of optic nerves (unilateral or bilateral visual loss), pyramidal tracts (limb weakness and spasticity), cerebellum (ataxia) and the medial longitudinal fasciculus (internuclear ophtalmoplegia) (McAlpine et at., 1955).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
