Reconsidering outdoor temperature and cognition in multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Research in multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests warmer weather plays a role in disease manifestation.


OBJECTIVE
This work sought to replicate the finding that warmer outdoor temperatures are significantly associated with poorer cognition in MS.


METHODS
Associations between outdoor temperature and cognition were examined in three studies with a total of 263 patients with MS.


RESULTS
Contrary to previous research, no significant relationship was found between cognitive performance and outdoor temperature in MS.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the current work underscore the need to better understand if, when, and how cognitive performance may be influenced by seasonal variables in MS.
Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA.
Brandon L
BL
Roberg
Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA brucejm@umkc.edu.
Jared M
JM
Bruce
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013696:Temperature; D055815:Young Adult
Multiple sclerosis; attention; cognitive testing; memory; neuropsychological functioning; processing speed