title: Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: the effect of pharmacological interventions.
abstract: Research has recently focused on cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive deficits are frequently encountered in patients and account for important impairment in quality of life, therefore posing a major therapeutic challenge for the disease. We presently review studies on cognitive effects of pharmacological treatments in MS. There is evidence for a possible beneficial effect of immunomodulatory treatments, particularly of interferons, and also of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on cognition in MS, which, however, requires evaluation in larger, multi-centre, longitudinal studies. Methodological issues and future prospects regarding the investigation of this issue are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Neuropsychology Section, University of Patras Medical School, 26500, Rion, Patras, Greece. lyrosep@upatras.gr
authors.forename: Epameinondas
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lyros
authors.forename: Lambros
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Messinis
authors.forename: Sokratis G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Papageorgiou
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Papathanasopoulos
mesh_terms: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007372:Interferons