Abstract
Deficits in information processing speed are common in individuals with MS, but adequate detection of such is fraught with methodological difficulties. The Computerized Test of Information Processing (CTIP) is a relatively new measure that addresses some of these methodological concerns. The equivalency of a desktop and fMRI scanner version of the CTIP at detecting cognitive impairment and monitoring cognition over time was examined in a sample of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Six individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of MS completed both the desktop and a modified scanner version of the CTIP at baseline and 3 year follow-up. Both forms of the task remained equally as sensitive at detecting cognitive impairment across the two time points. Similarly, reaction time performance was generally equivalent across both forms although participants made more errors on the scanner task. No participant demonstrated reliably significant change in performance over time. A modified version of the CTIP adapted for use in an fMRI environment holds promise for the detection of information processing speed deficits in MS.
Highlights
Cognitive impairment presents in roughly 40-60% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) [1,2], affecting a wide variety of cognitive domains
The percentage of the sample falling below cut-off was 83% (i.e. 5/6 individuals). This might suggest that a large proportion of the participants demonstrated slowed simple reaction time perhaps secondary to a primary motor deficit related to MS, the fact that this was not observed on the desktop suggests that this is not an appropriate explanation
The results suggest that, overall, the functional MRI (fMRI) and desktop versions of the Computerized Test of Information Processing (CTIP) are relatively equivalent at monitoring cognitive impairment and individual change in cognition over time
Summary
Cognitive impairment presents in roughly 40-60% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) [1,2], affecting a wide variety of cognitive domains. Deficits in IPS represent a significant impairment in MS given that these deficits may underlie dysfunction in other cognitive domains. DeLuca et al (2004) have formalized this idea and have proposed the Relative Consequence Model which suggests that the fundamental difficulty in processing speed observed in individuals with MS may underlie other areas of impairment, such as working memory [4,7,8], and episodic memory [9,10]. The PASAT is often reported to be a frustrating and aversive task for most individuals, regardless of cognitive status [12], and is prone to significant practice effects with serial administrations [12,16]
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