Global and Domain-Specific Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Based on CANTAB (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery) and Associated with Plasma Vitamin E Level

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms including limb weakness, sensory symptoms, double vision, ataxia, sphincter disorders, depression and spasms. Cognitive disorders are common and debilitating symptoms of this disease, which have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Due to the fact that very limited studies have investigated the cognitive impairment of multiple sclerosis patients and its relationship with plasma vitamin E level, in this study we intend to investigate the global cognitive impairment and the specific cognitive domains of multiple sclerosis patients based on the CANTAB test and its relationship with Plasma vitamin E level. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 MS patients were included. First, the questionnaires related to the demographic information of the patients were completed. Using CANTAB test, patients’ cognitive function was assessed and specific domains of cognition were evaluated with SWM, RTI, RVP, and PAL subtests. Then the plasma level of vitamin E was evaluated. SPSS software version 27 was used for statistical evaluation. Results: In summary, among 100 MS patients, 82 were remained and among them, 74 patients had cognitive impairment and 8 patients were cognitively intact. The average age of the patients was 30.5 years old. In 4 patients (4.9%) the level of vitamin E was less than 5 mcg/ml, and no significant difference was observed between the serum levels of vitamin E between patients with and without cognitive impairment (p-value=0.52). SWM and RVP subtests were the most impaired subtests among MS patients (62.2%). The logistic regression showed that, age affects the cognitive function of patients, but the level of vitamin E had no effects on the cognitive function in MS patients.