Speed of information processing as a key deficit in multiple sclerosis: implications for rehabilitation
- Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation, Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Laboratory, West Orange, NJ, USA, and UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Neurosciences, Newark, NJ, USA
- Dr John DeLuca, Neuropsychology Labratory, Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation, 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, New Jersey 07052. E-mail: delucajo{at}umdnj.edu
- Received 27 November 1998
- Revised 26 April 1999
- Accepted 6 May 1999
Abstract
Speed of information processing was assessed in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls using both an auditory and visual task designed to control for accuracy of performance across groups. After controlling for accuracy of performance, patients with multiple sclerosis were found to have significantly slower speed of information processing relative healthy controls, irrespective of the modality of stimulus presentation (auditory or visual). When given an adequate amount of time to process information, however, the patients performed similarly to controls. These results suggest that persons with multiple sclerosis experience deficits specifically in processing speed but not performance accuracy. Results are discussed in terms of rehabilitative guidelines for the cognitive improvement of persons with multiple sclerosis.
