A description of processing speed, learning and memory in people with multiple sclerosis aged 55.

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) have cognitive difficulties, including problems with executive functioning, attention, learning, memory and information processing speed. Aging is also associated with declines in cognition. It is unclear if pwMS show a more rapid cognitive decline as they age.

OBJECTIVE

To describe information processing speed, memory, and learning in an older sample, while taking into account polypharmacy and common age-related comorbidities.

METHODS

Ninety-nine people, 55 years and older, with and without MS completed the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and a validated comorbidity questionnaire. Polypharmacy along with anticholinergic and sedative medication burden were also assessed.

RESULTS

When controlling for age, gender and education, older pwMS demonstrated worse performance than people without MS (pwoMS) on tests of information processing speed, learning and delayed recall (all p<.01). However, age-related cognitive decline was comparable between pwMS and pwoMS.

CONCLUSION

In this sample, pwMS demonstrated worse cognitive function than non-neurologic controls. However, the effects of advancing age on cognition appear to impact pwMS and non-neurologic controls similarly.