title: Cognitive status in patients with multiple sclerosis in Lanzarote.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cognitive impairment is a common feature in multiple sclerosis affecting ~43%-72% of patients, which involves cognitive functions such as memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function. The aim of this study was to describe the extent and pattern of the involvement of cognitive impairment and psychological status in all patients with multiple sclerosis on a small Spanish island.
  
  
  METHODS
  In all, 70 patients and 56 healthy controls were included in the study between February 2013 and May 2013. All participants were assessed using the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Test. The patients also completed instruments to evaluate the presence of fatigue, perceived cognitive dysfunction, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. All procedures were performed in a single session.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cognitive impairment, defined as a score <1.5 standard deviation on two subtests of the battery, was present in 35% of the participants. The most frequently affected domain was working memory, followed by verbal memory and processing speed. Disease duration showed a moderate correlation with visuospatial memory and processing speed. The Expanded Disability Status Scale score correlated with verbal and processing speed. Verbal memory was correlated with depression symptoms and fatigue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cognitive impairment was present in 35% of the study population. The most affected domains were working memory and verbal memory. Working memory and verbal fluency deficit are independent factors of disease evolution. Cognitive decline is related to clinical variables and psychological measures such as fatigue or depression but not to anxiety.
authors.affiliation: Service of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna.
authors.forename: María Yaiza
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Pérez-Martín
authors.affiliation: Service of Neurology, Doctor José Molina Orosa Hospital, Arrecife, Lanzarote.
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eguia-Del Río
authors.affiliation: Service of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna.
authors.forename: Montserrat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: González-Platas
authors.affiliation: Unit of Research, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Spain.
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jiménez-Sosa
keywords: Lanzarote; cognitive impairment; cognitive status; multiple sclerosis