The Relationship Between Depression and Verbal Memory in MS

Background: Previous research has found that depression negatively impacts verbal memory, and that verbal learning and memory is usually impaired in MS. However, research has not been conducted on the influence of depression on verbal memory in MS. This study looked at how well depression could predict verbal memory scores in MS.

Objectives: To determine the relationship between verbal memory and depression specifically in MS.

Methods: This research was conducted at the MS Center of Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ. N=87 patients with definite MS who had participated in neuropsychological testing were used in the analyses. From a longer battery, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression subscale (HADS D) was selected to measure self-reported depressive symptoms. Patients were also administered the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), a frequently used test of verbal learning and memory. A linear regression analysis was conducted looking at the relationship between verbal memory and depression in MS. Age, gender, and years of education were entered in the first step. Disease status was entered in the second step. The HADS D Total Score was entered in step 3.

Results: After adjusting for demographic variables and disease status, depression significantly predicted verbal memory (β = −.24, ΔR² = .05, p< .05).

Conclusions: Depression significantly predicts verbal memory in MS. There is a linear negative relationship between depression and verbal memory, with higher amounts of depression related to lower verbal memory scores.