title: The relative contributions of processing speed and cognitive load to working memory accuracy in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Cognitive symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) include processing-speed deficits and working memory impairment. The precise manner in which these deficits interact in individuals with MS remains to be explicated. We hypothesized that providing more time on a complex working memory task would result in performance benefits for individuals with MS relative to healthy controls. Fifty-three individuals with clinically definite MS and 36 matched healthy controls performed a computerized task that systematically manipulated cognitive load. The interval between stimuli presentations was manipulated to provide increasing processing time. The results confirmed that individuals with MS who have processing-speed deficits significantly improve in performance accuracy when given additional time to process the information in working memory. Implications of these findings for developing appropriate cognitive rehabilitation interventions are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Kessler Foundation Research Center, West Orange, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Victoria M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Leavitt
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lengenfelder
authors.forename: Nancy B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Nancy D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Chiaravalloti
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DeLuca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests