Open AccessProgressive multiple sclerosis, cognitive function, and quality of life
Author(s) -
Højsgaard Chow Helene,
Schreiber Karen,
Magyari Melinda,
Ammitzbøll Cecilie,
Börnsen Lars,
Romme Christensen Jeppe,
Ratzer Rikke,
Soelberg Sørensen Per,
Sellebjerg Finn
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.875
Subject(s) - quality of life (healthcare) , cognition , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical disability , trail making test , medicine , expanded disability status scale , physical therapy , multiple sclerosis , audiology , cognitive test , psychology , cognitive impairment , psychiatry , nursing
Abstract Background Patients with progressive multiple sclerosis ( MS ) often have cognitive impairment in addition to physical impairment. The burden of cognitive and physical impairment progresses over time, and may be major determinants of quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess to which degree quality of life correlates with physical and cognitive function in progressive MS . Methods This is a retrospective study of 52 patients with primary progressive ( N = 18) and secondary progressive MS ( N = 34). Physical disability was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Timed 25 Foot Walk (T25 FW ) test and 9‐Hole Peg Test (9 HPT ). Cognitive function was assessed using Symbol Digit Modalities Test ( SDMT ), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, and Trail Making Test B ( TRAIL ‐B). In addition, quality of life was assessed by the Short Form 36 ( SF ‐36) questionnaire. Results Only measures of cognitive function correlated with the overall SF ‐36 quality of life score and the Mental Component Summary score from the SF ‐36. The only physical measure that correlated with a measure of quality of life was T25 FW test, which correlated with the Physical Component Summary from the SF ‐36. We found no other significant correlations between the measures of cognitive function and the overall physical measures but interestingly, we found a possible relationship between the 9 HPT score for the nondominant hand and the SDMT and TRAIL ‐B. Conclusion Our findings support inclusion of measures of cognitive function in the assessment of patients with progressive MS as these correlated closer with quality of life than measures of physical impairment.