The clinical value of the patient-reported multiple sclerosis neuropsychological screening questionnaire

Mult Scler. 2019 Oct;25(11):1543-1546. doi: 10.1177/1352458518777295. Epub 2018 May 18.

Abstract

Background: Cognitive problems are difficult to identify in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: To investigate the clinical applicability of the patient-reported MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ-P).

Methods: Cut-off scores were determined to differentiate between cognitively impaired (n = 90), mildly cognitively impaired (n = 115), and cognitively preserved (n = 147) MS patients using receiver operating characteristic analyses.

Results: We could not define specific and sensitive cut-off scores. Higher scores (≥27) did indicate cognitive impairment. Among patients with a higher education, lower scores (<12) indicated intact cognition.

Conclusion: Certain scores can indicate intact or impaired cognitive function. Still, MSNQ-P scores should be interpreted with caution.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; cognitive impairment; screening; self-report; subjective cognitive complaints.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / psychology
  • Diagnostic Self Evaluation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / psychology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychometrics
  • ROC Curve
  • Self Report