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Treatment options of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis

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Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the CNS, characterized by the production of widespread lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Inflammatory demyelination has traditionally been seen as the main disease process in MS; however, axonal damage or loss is increasingly being documented to occur early in the disease. Cognitive deficits can occur independently of physical disability, which complicates their identification and recognition. More recently, cortical demyelination has been identified among possible causes of cognitive impairment in MS. Neuropsychological studies have consistently demonstrated that 40–65% of patients with MS experience cognitive dysfunction, particularly in recent memory, information processing speed, and sustained attention. Early detection of cognitive impairment is essential to enable therapeutic intervention to alleviate symptoms or prevent further cognitive decline, although how best to manage MS-related cognitive impairment is currently unclear. Treatment strategies for cognitive impairment in MS are still in their infancy. This article will summarize several pharmacological attempts to enhance cognitive performances in people with MS.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there is no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, Centre of Multiple Sclerosis, Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy

    Francesco Patti, Carmela Leone & Emanuele D’Amico

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  1. Francesco Patti
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  2. Carmela Leone
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  3. Emanuele D’Amico
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Correspondence to Francesco Patti.

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Patti, F., Leone, C. & D’Amico, E. Treatment options of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. Neurol Sci 31 (Suppl 2), 265–269 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-010-0438-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-010-0438-7

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