J Clin Neurol.  2018 Oct;14(4):472-477. 10.3988/jcn.2018.14.4.472.

The Role of Information Processing Speed in Clinical and Social Support Variables of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

• Eizaguirre MB
• Vanotti S
• Merino A
• Yastremiz
• Silva B
• Alonso R
• Garcea O

• KMID: 2424174
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3988/jcn.2018.14.4.472

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Information processing speed is one of the most impaired cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis (MS). There are two tests widely used for evaluating information processing speed: the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). To analyze the relationship between processing speed and the clinical and social support variables of patients with MS.
METHODS
A group of 47 patients with relapsing-remitting MS was studied, 31 were women and 16, men. Age: 39.04±13.17, years of schooling: 13.00±3.87, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 2.78±1.81, and disease evolution: 8.07±6.26. Instruments of measure; processing speed: SDMT, PASAT, clinical variables: EDSS, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck's Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and social support: Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS).
RESULTS
Significant correlations were found between information processing speed and psychiatric, motor disability and social support variables. The SDMT correlated significantly and negatively with BDI-II, FSS, EDSS, and MOS (p < 0.05), whereas the PASAT correlated negatively with FSS and positively with MOS (p < 0.05). Information processing speed appeared as the performance predictor of these variables. The SDMT produced significant changes in EDSS (R2=0.343, p=0.000); FSS (R2=0.109, p=0.031); BDI-II (R2=0.124, p=0.018), and MOS (R2=between 0.212 and 0.379, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Information processing speed has influence on the clinical variables and the social support of patients with MS. These aspects are important to bear in mind for therapeutic approach.

Keyword

multiple sclerosis; cognition; social support

MeSH Terms

Automatic Data Processing*
Cognition
Depression
Fatigue
Female
Humans
Male
Multiple Sclerosis*

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