[Memory and executive functions in multiple sclerosis: preliminary findings with a cognitive battery].

Twenty one MS patients suffering from a relapsing-remitting (four patients), a secondary progressive (12 patients) or a primary progressive form of the disease (five patients) were assessed using a cognitive battery specifically devoted to executive and memory processes. Results showed that, patients without significant depressive state evaluated by the MADR scale, exhibited significant impairments in executive processes, working, episodic and procedural memories whereas short term memory, language and global intellectual efficiency were normal. The preliminary data suggest an impairment of encoding, a process previously underestimated in this disease. In addition, the battery was easily administered to the patients and relevant for the cognitive assessment of MS.