Association of cognitive impairment and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis:  A cross-sectional study

Fardin Nabizadeh; Mohammad Balabandian; Mohammad Reza Rostami; Mahsa Owji; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Maryam Bidadian; Fereshteh Ghadiri; Nasim Rezaeimanesh; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi

doi:10.18502/cjn.v21i3.11106

Fardin Nabizadeh Neuroscience Research Group, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Balabandian Neuroscience Research Group, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Reza Rostami Neuroscience Research Group, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran, Iran
Mahsa Owji Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Ali Sahraian Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Bidadian Department of Psychology, School of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Fereshteh Ghadiri Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nasim Rezaeimanesh Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/cjn.v21i3.11106

Keywords: Cognitive Dysfunction; Quality of Life; Multiple Sclerosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are suggested as a prognostic factor for disease development, and consequently higher disability and more deficits in daily and social activities. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the association between quality of life (QOL) and cognitive function in patients with MS.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). General characteristic variables were carried out, and then all patients underwent assessments such as Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54), Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and North American Adult Reading Test (NAART).

Results: In the present study, a total of 92 patients, including 76 women with a mean disease duration of 6.82 ± 4.80 years were involved. Results of simple Pearson correlation revealed a significant positive relation between California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) total learning with MSQOL mental health (r = 0.267, P = 0.017) and physical health (r = 0.299, P = 0.007). After adjusting for potential confounders, there was a negative correlation between MSQOL mental health with Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) (r = -0.303, P = 0.015) and Judgment of Line Orientation (JLO) (r = -0.310, P = 0.013). Besides, MSQOL physical health was negatively associated with Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) in the adjusted model (r = -0.270, P = 0.031).

Conclusion: There is a statistically significant association between specific aspects of cognitive decline and QOL. Therefore, more attention should be paid to cognitive impairment in patients with MS as based on our findings, it is significantly associated with QOL.