Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Neurological Sciences 8/2018

01-08-2018 | Review Article

Cognitive assessment in multiple sclerosis—an Italian consensus

Authors: Maria Pia Amato, Vincenzo Brescia Morra, Monica Falautano, Angelo Ghezzi, Benedetta Goretti, Francesco Patti, Alice Riccardi, Flavia Mattioli

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 8/2018

Login to get access

Abstract

The aim of this consensus paper was to define the state of the art on cognitive assessment of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), with the purpose of providing recommendations for the Italian centers involved in MS management. While there are no formal guidelines published regarding the assessment of cognitive function in MS, on the basis of an expert opinion meeting, held in Milan (Italy) on July 4, 2016, we report the recommendations of a panel of Italian experts including MS neurologists and neuropsychologists for the assessment and follow-up of cognitive function in adult MS subjects.
Footnotes
1
The Rao battery is not comparable with the BICAMS. If at baseline only the Rao battery was performed, then SDMT has to be used during the follow-up.
 
Literature
5.
go back to reference Rao SM, Leo GJ, Ellington L, Nauertz T, Bernardin L, Unverzagt F (1991) Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. II. Impact on employment and social functioning. Neurology 41(5):692–696CrossRefPubMed Rao SM, Leo GJ, Ellington L, Nauertz T, Bernardin L, Unverzagt F (1991) Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. II. Impact on employment and social functioning. Neurology 41(5):692–696CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Amato MP, Zipoli V, Goretti B, Portaccio E, De Caro MF, Ricchiuti L, Siracusa G, Masini M, Sorbi S, Trojano M (2006) Benign multiple sclerosis: cognitive, psychological and social aspects in a clinical cohort. J Neurol 253(8):1054–1059CrossRefPubMed Amato MP, Zipoli V, Goretti B, Portaccio E, De Caro MF, Ricchiuti L, Siracusa G, Masini M, Sorbi S, Trojano M (2006) Benign multiple sclerosis: cognitive, psychological and social aspects in a clinical cohort. J Neurol 253(8):1054–1059CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Amato MP, Goretti B, Ghezzi A, Lori S, Zipoli V, Moiola L, Falautano M, De Caro MF, Viterbo R, Patti F, Vecchio R, Pozzilli C, Bianchi V, Roscio M, Martinelli V, Comi G, Portaccio E, Trojano M, Multiple Sclerosis Study Group of the Italian Neurological Society (2010) Cognitive and psychosocial features in childhood and juvenile MS: two-year follow-up. Neurology 75(13):1134–1140. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181f4d821 CrossRefPubMed Amato MP, Goretti B, Ghezzi A, Lori S, Zipoli V, Moiola L, Falautano M, De Caro MF, Viterbo R, Patti F, Vecchio R, Pozzilli C, Bianchi V, Roscio M, Martinelli V, Comi G, Portaccio E, Trojano M, Multiple Sclerosis Study Group of the Italian Neurological Society (2010) Cognitive and psychosocial features in childhood and juvenile MS: two-year follow-up. Neurology 75(13):1134–1140. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1212/​WNL.​0b013e3181f4d821​ CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Amato MP, Goretti B, Ghezzi A, Hakiki B, Niccolai C, Lori S, Moiola L, Falautano M, Viterbo RG, Patti F, Cilia S, Pozzilli C, Bianchi V, Roscio M, Martinelli V, Comi G, Portaccio E, Trojano M, MS Study Group of the Italian Neurological Society (2014) Neuropsychological features in childhood and juvenile multiple sclerosis: five-year follow-up. Neurology 83(16):1432–1438. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000000885 CrossRefPubMed Amato MP, Goretti B, Ghezzi A, Hakiki B, Niccolai C, Lori S, Moiola L, Falautano M, Viterbo RG, Patti F, Cilia S, Pozzilli C, Bianchi V, Roscio M, Martinelli V, Comi G, Portaccio E, Trojano M, MS Study Group of the Italian Neurological Society (2014) Neuropsychological features in childhood and juvenile multiple sclerosis: five-year follow-up. Neurology 83(16):1432–1438. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1212/​WNL.​0000000000000885​ CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Amato MP, Ponziani G, Pracucci G, Bracco L, Siracusa G, Amaducci L (1995) Cognitive impairment in early-onset multiple sclerosis. Pattern, predictors, and impact on everyday life in a 4-year follow-up. Arch Neurol 52(2):168–172CrossRefPubMed Amato MP, Ponziani G, Pracucci G, Bracco L, Siracusa G, Amaducci L (1995) Cognitive impairment in early-onset multiple sclerosis. Pattern, predictors, and impact on everyday life in a 4-year follow-up. Arch Neurol 52(2):168–172CrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference Amato MP, Ponziani G, Siracusa G, Sorbi S (2001) Cognitive dysfunction in early-onset multiple sclerosis: a reappraisal after 10 years. Arch Neurol 58(10):1602–1606CrossRefPubMed Amato MP, Ponziani G, Siracusa G, Sorbi S (2001) Cognitive dysfunction in early-onset multiple sclerosis: a reappraisal after 10 years. Arch Neurol 58(10):1602–1606CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Amato MP, Zipoli V, Portaccio E (2006) Multiple sclerosis-related cognitive changes: a review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. J Neurol Sci 245(1–2):41–46CrossRefPubMed Amato MP, Zipoli V, Portaccio E (2006) Multiple sclerosis-related cognitive changes: a review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. J Neurol Sci 245(1–2):41–46CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Ruano L, Portaccio E, Goretti B, Niccolai C, Severo M, Patti F, Cilia S, Gallo P, Grossi P, Ghezzi A, Roscio M, Mattioli F, Stampatori C, Trojano M, Viterbo RG, Amato MP (2017) Age and disability drive cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis across disease subtypes. Mult Scler 23(9):1258–126CrossRefPubMed Ruano L, Portaccio E, Goretti B, Niccolai C, Severo M, Patti F, Cilia S, Gallo P, Grossi P, Ghezzi A, Roscio M, Mattioli F, Stampatori C, Trojano M, Viterbo RG, Amato MP (2017) Age and disability drive cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis across disease subtypes. Mult Scler 23(9):1258–126CrossRefPubMed
18.
go back to reference Rao SM, Cognitive Function Study Group of the National Multiple Sclerosis (1990) A manual for the brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological tests in multiple sclerosis. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Rao SM, Cognitive Function Study Group of the National Multiple Sclerosis (1990) A manual for the brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological tests in multiple sclerosis. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
19.
go back to reference Barbarotto R, Laiacona M, Frosio R, Vecchio M, Farinato A, Capitani E (1998) A normative study on visual reaction times and two Stroop colour-word tests. Ital J Neurol Sci 19:161–170CrossRefPubMed Barbarotto R, Laiacona M, Frosio R, Vecchio M, Farinato A, Capitani E (1998) A normative study on visual reaction times and two Stroop colour-word tests. Ital J Neurol Sci 19:161–170CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Krupp LB, LaRocca NG, Muir-Nash J, Steinberg AD (1989) The fatigue severity scale. Application to patients with multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Arch Neurol 46(10):1121–1123CrossRefPubMed Krupp LB, LaRocca NG, Muir-Nash J, Steinberg AD (1989) The fatigue severity scale. Application to patients with multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Arch Neurol 46(10):1121–1123CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Montgomery SA, Asberg M (1979) A new depression scale designed to be sensitive to change. Br J Psychiatry 134:382–389CrossRefPubMed Montgomery SA, Asberg M (1979) A new depression scale designed to be sensitive to change. Br J Psychiatry 134:382–389CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Kurtzke JF (1983) Rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: an expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Neurology 33(11):1444–1452CrossRefPubMed Kurtzke JF (1983) Rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: an expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Neurology 33(11):1444–1452CrossRefPubMed
23.
go back to reference Amato MP, Portaccio E, Goretti B, Zipoli V, Ricchiuti L, De Caro MF, Patti F, Vecchio R, Sorbi S, Trojano M (2006) The Rao’s brief repeatable battery and Stroop test: normative values with age, education and gender corrections in an Italian population. Mult Scler 12(6):787–793CrossRefPubMed Amato MP, Portaccio E, Goretti B, Zipoli V, Ricchiuti L, De Caro MF, Patti F, Vecchio R, Sorbi S, Trojano M (2006) The Rao’s brief repeatable battery and Stroop test: normative values with age, education and gender corrections in an Italian population. Mult Scler 12(6):787–793CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Rosti E, Hamalainen P, Koivisto K, Hokkanen L (2007) PASAT in detecting cognitive impairment in relapsing-remitting MS. Appl Neuropsychol 14(2):101–112CrossRefPubMed Rosti E, Hamalainen P, Koivisto K, Hokkanen L (2007) PASAT in detecting cognitive impairment in relapsing-remitting MS. Appl Neuropsychol 14(2):101–112CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Fischer JS, Rudick RA, Cutter GR, Reingold SC (1999) The multiple sclerosis functional composite measure (MSFC): an integrated approach to MS clinical outcome assessment. National MS Society clinical outcomes assessment task force. Mult Scler 5(4):244–250CrossRefPubMed Fischer JS, Rudick RA, Cutter GR, Reingold SC (1999) The multiple sclerosis functional composite measure (MSFC): an integrated approach to MS clinical outcome assessment. National MS Society clinical outcomes assessment task force. Mult Scler 5(4):244–250CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Nagels G, D’hooghe MB, Kos D, Engelborghs S, De Deyn PP (2008) Within-session practice effect on paced auditory serial addition test in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 14(1):106–111CrossRefPubMed Nagels G, D’hooghe MB, Kos D, Engelborghs S, De Deyn PP (2008) Within-session practice effect on paced auditory serial addition test in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 14(1):106–111CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Smith A (1982) Symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) manual (revised). Western Psychological Services, Los Angeles Smith A (1982) Symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) manual (revised). Western Psychological Services, Los Angeles
34.
go back to reference Parmenter BA, Weinstock-Guttman B, Garg N, Munschauer F, Benedict RH (2007) Screening for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis using the symbol digit modalities test. Mult Scler 13(1):52–57CrossRefPubMed Parmenter BA, Weinstock-Guttman B, Garg N, Munschauer F, Benedict RH (2007) Screening for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis using the symbol digit modalities test. Mult Scler 13(1):52–57CrossRefPubMed
36.
go back to reference Benedict RH, Duquin JA, Jurgensen S, Rudick RA, Feitcher J, Munschauer FE, Panzara MA, Weinstock-Guttman B (2008) Repeated assessment of neuropsychological deficits in multiple sclerosis using the symbol digit modalities test and the MS neuropsychological screening questionnaire. Mult Scler 14(7):940–946. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458508090923 CrossRefPubMed Benedict RH, Duquin JA, Jurgensen S, Rudick RA, Feitcher J, Munschauer FE, Panzara MA, Weinstock-Guttman B (2008) Repeated assessment of neuropsychological deficits in multiple sclerosis using the symbol digit modalities test and the MS neuropsychological screening questionnaire. Mult Scler 14(7):940–946. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1177/​1352458508090923​ CrossRefPubMed
38.
40.
go back to reference Dagenais E, Rouleau I, Demers M, Jobin C, Roger E, Chamelian L, Duquette P (2013) Value of the MoCA test as a screening instrument in multiple sclerosis. Can J Neurol Sci 40(3):410–415CrossRefPubMed Dagenais E, Rouleau I, Demers M, Jobin C, Roger E, Chamelian L, Duquette P (2013) Value of the MoCA test as a screening instrument in multiple sclerosis. Can J Neurol Sci 40(3):410–415CrossRefPubMed
41.
go back to reference Benedict RH, Munschauer F, Linn R, Miller C, Murphy E, Foley F, Jacobs L (2003) Screening for multiple sclerosis cognitive impairment using a self-administered 15-item questionnaire. Mult Scler 9(1):95–101CrossRefPubMed Benedict RH, Munschauer F, Linn R, Miller C, Murphy E, Foley F, Jacobs L (2003) Screening for multiple sclerosis cognitive impairment using a self-administered 15-item questionnaire. Mult Scler 9(1):95–101CrossRefPubMed
42.
go back to reference Benedict RH, Cox D, Thompson LL, Foley F, Weinstock-Guttman B, Munschauer F (2004) Reliable screening for neuropsychological impairment in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 10(6):675–678CrossRefPubMed Benedict RH, Cox D, Thompson LL, Foley F, Weinstock-Guttman B, Munschauer F (2004) Reliable screening for neuropsychological impairment in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 10(6):675–678CrossRefPubMed
44.
go back to reference Delis DC, Kaplan E, Kramer JH (2001) Delis–Kaplan executive function system. The Psychological Corporation, San Antonio Delis DC, Kaplan E, Kramer JH (2001) Delis–Kaplan executive function system. The Psychological Corporation, San Antonio
45.
go back to reference Mattioli F, Stampatori C, Bellomi F, Scarpazza C, Galli P, Guarneri C, Corso B, Montomoli C, Niccolai C, Goretti B, Amato MP, Riboni E, Tomasina CD, Falautano M, Capra R (2014) Assessing executive functi with the D-KEFS sorting test: normative data for a sample of the Italian adult population. Neurol Sci 35(12):1895–1902. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-014-1857-7 CrossRefPubMed Mattioli F, Stampatori C, Bellomi F, Scarpazza C, Galli P, Guarneri C, Corso B, Montomoli C, Niccolai C, Goretti B, Amato MP, Riboni E, Tomasina CD, Falautano M, Capra R (2014) Assessing executive functi with the D-KEFS sorting test: normative data for a sample of the Italian adult population. Neurol Sci 35(12):1895–1902. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s10072-014-1857-7 CrossRefPubMed
46.
go back to reference Benedict RH, Fischer JS, Archibald CJ, Arnett PA, Beatty WW, Bobholz J, Chelune GJ, Fisk JD, Langdon DW, Caruso L, Foley F, LaRocca NG, Vowels L, Weinstein A, DeLuca J, Rao SM, Munschauer F (2002) Minimal neuropsychological assessment of MS patients: a consensus approach. Clin Neuropsychol 16(3):381–397CrossRefPubMed Benedict RH, Fischer JS, Archibald CJ, Arnett PA, Beatty WW, Bobholz J, Chelune GJ, Fisk JD, Langdon DW, Caruso L, Foley F, LaRocca NG, Vowels L, Weinstein A, DeLuca J, Rao SM, Munschauer F (2002) Minimal neuropsychological assessment of MS patients: a consensus approach. Clin Neuropsychol 16(3):381–397CrossRefPubMed
49.
go back to reference Delis DC, Kramer JH, Kaplan E, Ober BA (2000) California verbal learning test, second edition (CVLT-II). Psychological Corporation, San Antonio Delis DC, Kramer JH, Kaplan E, Ober BA (2000) California verbal learning test, second edition (CVLT-II). Psychological Corporation, San Antonio
50.
go back to reference Benedict RHB (1997) The brief visuospatial memory test revised (BVMT-R). Psychosocial Assessment Resources Inc, Lutz Benedict RHB (1997) The brief visuospatial memory test revised (BVMT-R). Psychosocial Assessment Resources Inc, Lutz
52.
go back to reference Goretti B, Niccolai C, Hakiki B, Sturchio A, Falautano M, Minacapelli E, Martinelli V, Incerti C, Nocentini U, Murgia M, Fenu G, Cocco E, Marrosu MG, Garofalo E, Ambra FI, Maddestra M, Consalvo M, Viterbo RG, Trojano M, Losignore NA, Zimatore GB, Pietrolongo E, Lugaresi A, Langdon D, Portaccio E, Amato MP (2014) The brief international cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis (BICAMS): normative values with gender, age and education corrections in the Italian population. BMC Neurol 14:171. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-014-0171-6 CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed Goretti B, Niccolai C, Hakiki B, Sturchio A, Falautano M, Minacapelli E, Martinelli V, Incerti C, Nocentini U, Murgia M, Fenu G, Cocco E, Marrosu MG, Garofalo E, Ambra FI, Maddestra M, Consalvo M, Viterbo RG, Trojano M, Losignore NA, Zimatore GB, Pietrolongo E, Lugaresi A, Langdon D, Portaccio E, Amato MP (2014) The brief international cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis (BICAMS): normative values with gender, age and education corrections in the Italian population. BMC Neurol 14:171. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1186/​s12883-014-0171-6 CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
53.
go back to reference Saccà F, Costabile T, Carotenuto A, Lanzillo R, Moccia M, Pane C, Russo CV, Barbarulo AM, Casertano S, Rossi F, Signoriello E, Lus G, Brescia Morra V (2017) The EDSS integration with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and orientation tests. Mult Scler 23(9):1289–1296CrossRefPubMed Saccà F, Costabile T, Carotenuto A, Lanzillo R, Moccia M, Pane C, Russo CV, Barbarulo AM, Casertano S, Rossi F, Signoriello E, Lus G, Brescia Morra V (2017) The EDSS integration with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and orientation tests. Mult Scler 23(9):1289–1296CrossRefPubMed
54.
go back to reference Niccolai C, Portaccio E, Goretti B, Hakiki B, Giannini M, Pastò L, Righini I, Falautano M, Minacapelli E, Martinelli V, Incerti C, Nocentini U, Fenu G, Cocco E, Marrosu MG, Garofalo E, Ambra FI, Maddestra M, Consalvo M, Viterbo RG, Trojano M, Losignore NA, Zimatore GB, Pietrolongo E, Lugaresi A, Pippolo L, Roscio M, Ghezzi A, Castellano D, Stecchi S, Amato MP (2015) A comparison of the brief international cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis and the brief repeatable battery in multiple sclerosis patients. BMC Neurol 15:204. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-015-0460-8 CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed Niccolai C, Portaccio E, Goretti B, Hakiki B, Giannini M, Pastò L, Righini I, Falautano M, Minacapelli E, Martinelli V, Incerti C, Nocentini U, Fenu G, Cocco E, Marrosu MG, Garofalo E, Ambra FI, Maddestra M, Consalvo M, Viterbo RG, Trojano M, Losignore NA, Zimatore GB, Pietrolongo E, Lugaresi A, Pippolo L, Roscio M, Ghezzi A, Castellano D, Stecchi S, Amato MP (2015) A comparison of the brief international cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis and the brief repeatable battery in multiple sclerosis patients. BMC Neurol 15:204. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1186/​s12883-015-0460-8 CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
59.
go back to reference Colombo L, Sartori G, Brivio C (2002) Stima del quoziente intellettivo tramite l’applicazione del TIB (Test Breve di Intelligenza). Giornale Italiano di Psicologia XXIX(3 settembre):613–637 Colombo L, Sartori G, Brivio C (2002) Stima del quoziente intellettivo tramite l’applicazione del TIB (Test Breve di Intelligenza). Giornale Italiano di Psicologia XXIX(3 settembre):613–637
61.
go back to reference International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies. Minimal Record of Disability—1983 (1984) Acta Neurol Scand Suppl 101:169–190 International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies. Minimal Record of Disability—1983 (1984) Acta Neurol Scand Suppl 101:169–190
62.
go back to reference Ontaneda D, Cohen JA, Amato MP (2017) Clinical outcome measures for progressive MS trials. Mult Scler 23(12):1627–1635CrossRefPubMed Ontaneda D, Cohen JA, Amato MP (2017) Clinical outcome measures for progressive MS trials. Mult Scler 23(12):1627–1635CrossRefPubMed
65.
go back to reference Rao SM, Leo GJ, Bernardin L, Unverzagt F (1991) Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. I. Frequency, patterns, and prediction. Neurology 41(5):685–691CrossRefPubMed Rao SM, Leo GJ, Bernardin L, Unverzagt F (1991) Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. I. Frequency, patterns, and prediction. Neurology 41(5):685–691CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Cognitive assessment in multiple sclerosis—an Italian consensus
Authors
Maria Pia Amato
Vincenzo Brescia Morra
Monica Falautano
Angelo Ghezzi
Benedetta Goretti
Francesco Patti
Alice Riccardi
Flavia Mattioli
Publication date
01-08-2018
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 8/2018
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-018-3427-x

Other articles of this Issue 8/2018

Neurological Sciences 8/2018 Go to the issue