Distinct neurocognitive profiles in multiple sclerosis subtypes.

An effect size analysis was used to review the neuropsychological literature of multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine whether reliable neurocognitive test deficits and differences between chronic-progressive and relapse-remitting subtypes are apparent. Studies dating back to 1983 were gathered and the neuropsychological test results from a total of 1,845 patients with MS, and 1,265 healthy controls, were synthesized using meta-analytic principles. The results indicate that neurocognitive impairment is indeed evident in patients with MS on a number of cognitive tasks and test variables. Secondly, distinct patterns of neurocognitive deficits are evident in chronic-progressive and relapse-remitting subtypes of MS. Finally, relations between neurocognitive impairment and clinical and demographic attributes of patients with MS were revealed.