Cognitive and motor function in people with multiple sclerosis in Stockholm County

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse cognitive and motor function in a population-based sample of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), taking into account both disease-related data and sociodemographic factors. Data were collected from 166 PwMS during home visits. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Free Recall and Recognition of 12 Random Words Test (FRR12RWT), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT); manual dexterity by the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT); global motor capacity by the Lindmark Motor Capacity Assessment; and walking capacity by a timed 10-metre walk. On cognitive tests, 55% (MMSE), 84% (FRR12RWT), and 45% (SDMT) of PwMS scored within the normal range; 27% of PwMS displayed normal manual dexterity, 9% had a maximal motorcapacity score, and 8% walked at normal speed. Factors associated with normal cognitive function were lower disability and higher education; lower disability and current employment were predictive of capacity to perform the NHPT and to walk 10 metres. In conclusion, cognitive function was normal in approximately half of the PwMS investigated, while a minority displayed normal manual dexterity and normal walking capacity. Thus, both disease severity and sociodemographic factors appear to influence cognitive and motor function in MS.

High concurrent presence of disability in multiple sclerosis

“…In addition, data on perceived physical and psychological impact, from the PwMS' perspective, was collected. Selection of instruments was based on recognized reliability and validity, recommendations in the literature and previous good experience with respect to feasibility for PwMS [8,9].…”

Variations in functioning and disability in multiple sclerosis

“…Cognitive disability affects an estimated 43-65 % of patients [10,36] and the point prevalence rates for disability in mood -signs of depression -range from 26 % to 42 % [5,13,31]. More than half have limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), and for 38-65 % participation in social/lifestyle activities is restricted [9,38].…”

“…■ Key words multiple sclerosis · variations · functioning · disability · prospective studies, at least 75 % experience walking disability [10,43] and more than 70 % disability in manual dexterity [10,12]. Cognitive disability affects an estimated 43-65 % of patients [10,36] and the point prevalence rates for disability in mood -signs of depression -range from 26 % to 42 % [5,13,31].…”

User acceptance of pervasive computing in healthcare: Main findings of two case studies

“…Recently, medical studies were performed showing that there are correlations between gait parameters and the EDSS score. [23] It seems possible to stage the patients' status of health by his patterns of activity. The objective is to find a way to monitor patients' activity over a long period by using pervasive technologies.…”