Neurologists׳ accuracy in predicting cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Cognitive impairment affects approximately 40–70% of MS patients. As management of MS typically begins with, and is co-ordinated by neurologists, they are often the first to raise concerns about a patient׳s cognitive functioning. However, it is not known how accurate the neurological examination is in identifying cognitive impairment. To this end, we conducted a retrospective chart review of 97 MS patients referred by neurologists for neuropsychological assessment based on suspected cognitive impairment. Patients were classified as globally-impaired or intact according to failure on 2 or more of 11 cognitive indices comprising the MACFIMS, a recommended neuropsychological battery for MS. Neurologists׳ accuracy was not significantly different from chance, Χ2=1.25, p=0.26, with 44.3% of patients with suspected cognitive impairment showing global impairment on objective testing. Cognitively intact patients when compared to those who were impaired had higher levels of education and were less likely to have mood disturbances. These findings indicate the clinical interview and standard neurological examination are not sufficiently sensitive to detect cognitive impairment in MS, and suggest the need for a brief, accurate cognitive screen to complement routine clinical evaluation.