Memory impairment in multiple sclerosis and its determinant factors

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of memory impairment and to explore the determinant factors of memory impairment severity in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Neurology Center of Shafa Hospital in Kerman, Iran between February and November 2008 on 100 MS patients whose diseases were confirmed by a neurologist. Patients were recruited by the convenience sampling method. Data regarding age, gender, education, and occupation were collected; medical history including co-morbidities and drug history was recorded. All the patients were examined with routine neurological examination and the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and memory impairment was assessed by standard metal status questionnaire in 7 segments.

RESULTS: Generally, 71% of patients had memory impairment. Among the affected patients, 35% of patients had mild to moderate, 19% had moderate to severe, and 17% had severe memory impairment. The relationship between the severity of memory impairment and age, education, duration of disease, the duration of treatment, currently used drug, and EDSS score was statistically significance.

CONCLUSION: Memory impairment is a common disability in MS patients, which worsen with age and longer duration of disease. Such patients with chronic disease should be intermittently screened for memory impairment.