NN05
Processing Speed Deficits Are Predictive of Difficulties with Visuospatial Memory in M.S.
Previous research indicates that cognitive changes are very common in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and can be amongst its most disabling features. Speed of information processing underlies various cognitive domains and deficiencies in this area can affect other mental abilities. Slowness of mental processing is a chief complaint among the MS population, where deficits have been found to be prevalent. The literature suggests that visuospatial memory difficulties are present within the MS population as well.
Objectives:
To determine if processing speed is a reliable predictor of visuospatial memory in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
Methods: Participants (N = 260) were recruited from an outpatient MS clinic at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, to undergo neuropsychological evaluation. As part of a standard neuropsychological battery, participants were administered the Incapacity Status Scale (ISS), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT) and Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) to assess disability status, visuospatial memory and processing speed, respectively. Age, gender, and education were self-reported. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine if processing speed significantly predicts visuospatial memory. Age, gender, education, and severity of disability were accounted for.
Results:
Results of regression analysis indicated that processing speed scores on the SDMT significantly predict visuospatial memory as assessed by the BVMT in individuals with MS. Processing speed accounts for 28.3 percent of the variation in visuospatial memory scores (R2 = 0.283, F(5,212) = 18.12, p < 0.0005).
Conclusions:
Processing speed is predictive of visuospatial memory in individuals with MS when controlling for age, gender, education, and disability status. The timed nature of the BVMT requires quick encoding, which later impacts visuospatial recall abilities. Therefore, deficits in processing speed, as assessed by the SDMT, is predictive of visuospatial memory impairments.