Computerized Neuropsychological Battery Detects Cognitive Impairment Differences between Relapsing Remitting and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

CNS Vital Signs (Gualtieri & Johnson, 2006), is a computerized neuropsychological test battery that was developed as a routine clinical instrument. It is comprised of seven cognitive tests: verbal and visual memory, finger tapping, symbol digit coding, the Stroop test, a test of shifting attention and the Continuous performance test. These tests yield 5 cognitive domains: composite memory, psychomotor speed, reaction time, complex attention and cognitive flexibility. In the present study, we compared the cognitive abilities of multiple sclerosis patients with relapsing remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) subtypes and healthy controls, utilizing the CNS Vital Signs neuropsychological battery. We found differences in frequency and severity of cognitive impairment between RRMS and SPMS patient groups. Further, we demonstrated that the CNS Vital Signs is sensitive in detecting cognitive decline in MS patients and also noted cognitive impairment differences between RRMS and SPMS patients. The observed clinical group differences in the present study reflect the fact that patients with SPMS have more widespread brain damage, specifically, diffuse pathology in normal-appearing white matter and gray matter injury.