Cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis predicts worse caregiver’s health-related quality of life

Abstract

MS patients' caregivers' HRQoL is significantly influenced by information processing speed impairment of MS patients.

Cognitive impairment as one of the important non‐motor symptoms in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

“…36 Furthermore, it was reported that the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was the most significant predictor of unemployment among patients with MS. 35 Cognitive difficulties also hamper disease management, including decision-making, medication adherence, symptom control and rehabilitation benefit. 39 How to assess cognitive function in MS Some experts argue that screening batteries for dementia, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination, are not usually appropriate to evaluate cognitive function in patients with MS. Cognitive deficits in MS can be subtle and often affect specific cognitive domains. 35 Cognitive function is, of course, an important issue for patients with MS, but it can affect their relationships with family members.…”

“…38 It was reported that cognitive impairment in patients with MS was significantly associated with worse caregiver health-related quality of life. 39 How to assess cognitive function in MS Some experts argue that screening batteries for dementia, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination, are not usually appropriate to evaluate cognitive function in patients with MS. Cognitive deficits in MS can be subtle and often affect specific cognitive domains. Therefore, appropriate neuropsychological tools must be used to assess cognitive function in patients with MS. 9 Given the progressive nature of the disease, instruments must be longitudinally sensitive and should ideally minimize confounders presented by other aspects of MS, such as physical disability, medication and mood.…”

Effects of cognitive impairment on prosodic parameters of speech production planning in multiple sclerosis

“…The identification of CI in MS can be difficult as they may occur at both early and late stages of the disease and may be masked by more visible symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and pain (Guimarães & Sá, ; Kraemer, Herold, Uekermann, Kis, Daum, et al ., ; Kraemer, Herold, Uekermann, Kis, Wiltfang, et al ., ). CI has a negative impact on a patient's quality of life and as well as their caregivers’ (Labiano‐Fontcuberta, Mitchell, Moreno‐García, & Benito‐León, ; Rao et al ., ). It is therefore important to detect these deficits at an earliest possible stage and to monitor progression frequently, which is particularly crucial for the development and application of remediation strategies (Amato, Zipoli, & Portaccio, ).…”

The Experience of Men Caring for a Partner With Multiple Sclerosis

“…Informal caregivers provide several services to people with MS, including personal care, homemaking, mobility, emotional support, and leisure activities (Buchanan & Huang, ). Although psychological research on MS has focused primarily on patients, there is increasing literature on caregivers and caregiving burden (Corry & While, ; Kleiboer, et al., ; Kouzoupis et al., ; Labiano‐Fontcuberta, Mitchell, Moreno‐García, & Benito‐León, ). Literature highlights that caregivers report more stress symptoms than the general population.…”

“…Additionally, the specific characteristics of MS, such as the unpredictability of its course and the lack of specific treatment, seem to increase caregiver burden (Corry & While, ). Recent studies demonstrate that cognitive impairment in patients significantly affects health‐related quality of life of caregivers (Labiano‐Fontcuberta et al., ). The decreased cognitive function associated with MS is often more difficult to cope with than the physical deficits.…”