Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: the effect of pharmacological interventions

Int Rev Psychiatry. 2010;22(1):35-42. doi: 10.3109/09540261003589455.

Abstract

Research has recently focused on cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive deficits are frequently encountered in patients and account for important impairment in quality of life, therefore posing a major therapeutic challenge for the disease. We presently review studies on cognitive effects of pharmacological treatments in MS. There is evidence for a possible beneficial effect of immunomodulatory treatments, particularly of interferons, and also of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on cognition in MS, which, however, requires evaluation in larger, multi-centre, longitudinal studies. Methodological issues and future prospects regarding the investigation of this issue are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cognition
  • Cognition Disorders* / complications
  • Cognition Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Cognition Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Interferons / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / psychology*

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Interferons