Neuropsychological stability in multiple sclerosis

Compared the neuropsychological performances of 14 patients who had multiple sclerosis (MS) and who received repeated testings spaced over time by at least 1 yr with identical evaluations of 14 patients who had neurological involvement but not MS. Ss in each group were individually matched on CA at first testing (38.0 yrs for MS Ss and 37.0 yrs for controls), length of test-retest interval, sex, and years of formal education. Tests included the WAIS, the Wide Range Achievement Test, the Tactual Performance Test, the Seashore Rhythm Test, the Finger Angosia Test, and the Maze Coordination Test among others. Performance decrements attributable to the demyelination process of MS were primarily manifested on tasks requiring motor proficiency or complex sensory discriminations. Tests of higher order cognitive functions (e.g., abstractions, speech perception) were less adversely affected, except for measures having significant motor components. Preliminary MMPI data are also presented. Results indicate relative preservation or only mild deterioration for most intellectual abilities despite worsened motor-sensory functioning. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).