Cognitive Deficits Contribute to Economic Burden of Multiple Sclerosis

In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), reduced cognitive function contributed to the economic burden of the disease, according to findings published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

With prior research limited, study authors investigated whether cognitive deficits contribute to the economic burden of MS.

To determine cost to the health care system, community cost, participant out-of-pocket costs, and total societal cost, researchers utilized the client service receipt inventory. EuroQoL was used to evaluate quality of life.

The Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen and symbol digit modalities test was used to determine participants cognitive performance. To gauge the strength of the correlation between domain scores and cost metrics, researchers used Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r).

“Memory, speed of writing and the symbol digit modalities test were all negatively correlated with all aspects of cost of care (r = 0.24-0.59, P < .5),” wrote researchers.

Results were independent of other factors like mental health indices or the Expanded Disability Status Scale.

“Cognitive deficits are independently correlated with the economic burden of MS and should be monitored as part of routine care,” concluded study authors.

Reference:
Maltby VE, Lea RA, Reeves P, Saugbjerg B, Lechner-Scott J. Reduced cognitive function contributes to economic burden of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022;60:103707. doi:10.1016/j.msard.2022.103707