ECTRIMS 2021 | Assessing cognitive impairment in MS

Cognitive impairment of a common feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) with profound effects on a patient’s daily life. Information processing speed, episodic memory, and complex attention are frequency affected cognitive domains but variability in MS lesion location means almost any cognitive function can be impaired. Anat Achiron, MD, PhD, Sheba Medical Center and Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, discusses the importance of assessing cognitive impairment as part of neurological assessments in MS. Early identification of subtle changes can be challenging and requires more difficult tests to be conducted. Prof. Achiron outline efforts to develop more advanced computerized tests that can assess time to response as well as the response itself. This interview took place at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) congress 2021.