The correlation between EDSS and cognitive impairment in MS patients. Assessment of a Brazilian population using a BICAMS version

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) may present with a cognitive impairment as disabling as the physical disabilities. Therefore, routine cognitive evaluation is pivotal. Valid and reliable neuropsychological tests are essential in follow-up and to define future therapeutic interventions. Objectives...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marco A. G. de Caneda, Maria Cecília A. de Vecino
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Thieme Revinter Publicações
Series:Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria
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Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2016001200974&lng=en&tlng=en
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Summary:ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) may present with a cognitive impairment as disabling as the physical disabilities. Therefore, routine cognitive evaluation is pivotal. Valid and reliable neuropsychological tests are essential in follow-up and to define future therapeutic interventions. Objectives To investigate the correlation between the disabilities of MS patients and their cognitive impairment assessed by the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS). Methods Forty patients with definitive diagnoses of MS were selected. The correlation coefficient (r) between the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the neuropsychological tests of BICAMS were calculated. Results The correlation was clinically substantial and significant with r = 0.55 (p < 0.01) in the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), 0.54 (p < 0.01) in the Brief Visuospacial Memory Test (BVMT) and 0.40 (p < 0.05) in the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Conclusion BICAMS has easy and satisfactory application and evaluation for routine visits and presents a significant correlation with the EDSS. Its use may be indicated for screening and monitoring of cognitive impairment in patients with MS.
ISSN:1678-4227