Affiliations: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy | CSRNC, Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy | Ospedale Bufalini, Cesena, Italy | Neuropsychology Unit, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
Note: [] Corresponding author: Elisabetta Ládavas, CsrNC, Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Viale Europa, 980, 47023 Cesena, Italy. Tel.: +39 547 338950, +39 547 338952; E-mail: elisabetta.ladavas@unibo.it
Abstract: Purpose: Although neuropsychological impairments are common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the manifestation of cognitive deficits may vary greatly across MS patients. Here, we explored the influence of cognitive reserve proxy indices (education and occupation) and perceived fatigue on cognitive performance. Methods: Fifty relapsing-remitting MS patients were evaluated. Cognitive performance was measured using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), in which information processing speed can be manipulated by varying the presentation speed of stimuli. Results: MS patients with low education performed worse than healthy controls at faster PASAT speeds. By contrast, no difference was observed between MS patients with high education and matched healthy controls, regardless of PASAT speed. Moreover, we found that neither occupational attainment nor perceived fatigue has an influence on MS patients' cognitive performance. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that higher education could be protective against MS-associated cognitive deficits and that high speed PASAT versions are more suitable for identifying compensatory capacities compared to low speed PASAT versions.
