Normative values of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) in an Arab population: Corrected for age, sex and education

Abstract

Background Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with 43-70% of patients being affected. The international cognitive assessment for MS BICAMS is a new battery for cognitive assessment in MS patients. It was suggested in 2012 that international validation efforts be undertaken.Objective To utilize regression to provide normative values for the BICAMS while correcting for age, gender and education, as well as assess test-retest reliability, in an Arab population.Methods Healthy subjects were recruited from different areas in Dubai. Corrections for demographics were calculated using multiple linear regression. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.Results Two hundred eighty-one healthy subjects were enrolled (174 women, mean age 30±10.3 years, mean education 17.8±3.7 years). Test re-test results showed significant correlation between baseline and retest scores. Regression-based equations were derived for the BICAMS.Conclusion This large-scale validation study provides evidence to support the facilitation of international implementation of the BICAMS assessment by focusing on the Arab population. Next steps include validation efforts in an Arab MS patient population to further support the use of the BICAMS in day to day practice and for longitudinal patient assessment.