Clinical predictors to cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients

Background Cognitive dysfunction is increasingly recognized in multiple sclerosis, even in the early phase of the disease. Multiple sclerosis patients with even mild cognitive deficits may experience greater difficulties in social contact and daily activities, irrespective of physical handicap. This study aimed to estimate clinical predictors of cognitive dysfunction in a sample of Egyptian people with MS. Results Significant worse performance in assessed cognitive scales was observed in people with MS as compared to controls. This was related to low educational level, long disease duration, initial cerebellar and motor attacks, progressive course, frequent relapses, and immunosuppressive medications. Cognitive assessment scales were significantly negatively correlated with disability measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Conclusion Predictors of cognitive impairment in people with MS were low educational level, longer disease duration, type of initial attack, frequent relapses, progressive form, higher clinical disability, and immunosuppressive treatment.