Apathy as a herald of cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis: A 2-year follow-up study. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raimo, Simona; Spitaleri, Daniele; Trojano, Luigi; Santangelo, Gabriella
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis. Volume 26:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 363
• Page End: 371
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- cognitive deficits -- behavioural disorders -- apathy -- depression -- cognitive dysfunctions; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Myelin sheath -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; Central Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Demyelinating Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple Sclerosis -- Periodicals; Système nerveux central -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Gaine de myéline -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Périodiques; Sclérose en plaques -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1177/1352458519828296
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4585

Abstract

Background: Behavioral symptoms, such as apathy and depression, are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) but their relationship with cognitive and clinical characteristics often remains underinvestigated and not monitored over time. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of cognitive profile of patients affected by MS in relation to apathy and depression using a 2-year follow-up study. Methods: Two years after the first assessment, 100 of 125 MS patients were re-evaluated on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, and on specific scales for assessment of apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale—Self-reported) and depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). Results: After 2 years (T1), we found a relatively consistent prevalence of apathy (about 40%) and a reduction in prevalence of depression (from 44% to 30%). Higher level of apathy at baseline predicted the progressive cognitive changes at follow-up; and patients with apathy without depression ("pure" apathy) than patients without apathy had poorer performance on the interference task of the Stroop test assessing inhibitory control. Conclusion: The present results suggested that apathy in MS was associated with more severe executive dysfunctions (in particular cognitive control). Apathy rather than depression predicted cognitive impairment in MS over time.