ID 208 – Orienting network dysfunction in progressive multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective Attention is one of the frequently impaired cognitive domains in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Attention Network Test (ANT) is a validated tool to assess the three main attentional networks: the alerting, orienting, and executive function networks. To our knowledge, ANT was not studied in progressive MS subtypes. Methods 25 patients with primary or secondary progressive MS and 25 age and sex matched healthy controls were enrolled. The cognitive screening and attention evaluation were performed using the Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) and ANT respectively. The statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney and Spearman rank tests. Results Compared to healthy controls, MS patients had poorer performances on both tests. They also had an exclusive significant deficit in the orienting network. ANT parameters were positively correlated with the disability scores and the progressive phase duration. Conclusions This is the first study to report an orientation deficit in progressive MS. Such findings can be attributed to the disease progression and the subsequent increase in the lesion load. Key message Our study supports the value of ANT and SDMT in evaluating different cognitive aspects, and emphasizes the orienting network dysfunction in progressive MS.