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Information processing deficits in multiple sclerosis: A matter of complexity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 March 2007

BRETT A. PARMENTER ,
JANET L. SHUCARD  and
DAVID W. SHUCARD
BRETT A. PARMENTER
Affiliation:
Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Department of Neurology/The Jacobs Neurological Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York School of Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York Dr. Brett Parmenter is now at the Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
JANET L. SHUCARD
Affiliation:
Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Department of Neurology/The Jacobs Neurological Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York School of Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York
DAVID W. SHUCARD
Affiliation:
Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Department of Neurology/The Jacobs Neurological Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York School of Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York
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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between processing speed (PS) and working memory (WM), as measured by performance on an n-back task, in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. Simple PS was defined as reaction time (RT) on the 0-back task and complex PS was defined as RT on both the 1-back and 2-back tasks. Participants were administered all three n-back tasks (0-, 1-, and 2-back). Total correct responses, total dyads, and RTs were recorded. As expected, RT for all participants slowed as WM load increased. MS patients had slower RTs than controls across all tasks, and the difference between groups for RT was greatest during the 2-back task. When RT for simple PS (0-back) was parsed from the 1- and 2-back tasks, MS patients still showed impaired complex PS compared to controls. MS patients also made significantly fewer total correct responses and had fewer dyads than controls only on the 2-back task. These findings suggest that both WM and PS deficits are present in RRMS, and that as WM demand increases (from 1- to 2-back) both PS and WM deficits become more prominent. (JINS, 2007, 13, 417–423.)

Keywords

Working memoryProcessing speedN-backCognitive dysfunctionRelapsing-remitting multiple sclerosisReaction time
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 13 , Issue 3 , May 2007 , pp. 417 - 423
Copyright
© 2007 The International Neuropsychological Society

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