Bayer/Cognitive Assessments With Multiple Sclerosis Subjects

Seventy five randomly identified patients will be evaluated. Consenting patients will perform a Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and have the MS Center´s standard neuropsychological assessment performed. Tests comprising the standard assessment will be the RBANS (Randolph, 1998), Multiscore Depression Inventory, Cross and Clock Drawings. The selfreported Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) will also be obtained. An Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) will be recorded for each patient. The RBANS consists of six scales labeled (1) Immediate Memory, (2) Visuospatial/ Constructional, (3) Language, (4) Attention, (5) Delayed Memory, and (6) Total. Depression will be assessed by the BDI and the MultiScore Depression Inventory.

The SDMT will be administered using standard instructions either orally or in writing. Use of the established norms for the SDMT will be used to determine if the MS patient is demonstrating some cognitive dysfunction. Scores less than 1.0 to 1.5 standard deviations below mean are suggestive of cerebral dysfunction. The results will be controlled for age, gender, and educational level.

Additionally, the results of the 75 patient assessments will be reviewed to see the concordance between the results of the SDMT and the Neuropsychological Battery. The association of cognitive dysfunction as identified by the SDMT will be correlated with each of the six RBANS scales and other parameters of the cognitive aspects of the Battery. Statistical analysis will determine the sensitivity and specificity of the SDMT in determining abnormalities as well as an optimum cutpoint. This analysis will indicate possible cognitive problems and the need for further testing and, potentially, intervention.