[Neuropsychological impairments in non-demented patients with multiple sclerosis].

Neuropsychological investigation of 25 patients with multiple sclerosis was carried out. The aim of the study was the detection of vulnerability of certain neuropsychological functions caused by demyelinating process and estimation of impact of the clinical characteristics of the disease on cognitive functioning. Neuropsychological evaluation was performed by Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery. The analysis of the Clinical and Factor Scales results revealed that attention, memory and intellectual functions were the most disturbed. In comparison with the achievements of the control group, the group of non-demented patients with multiple sclerosis scored lower on all Clinical Scales. The results of the present neuropsychological examination pointed out that the impairment of neuropsychological functions in patients with multiple sclerosis comprised the two levels of functioning. The first, that was more dependent on neurological deficit and the second, that included mental plan of functioning. The statistical analysis did not reveal significant correlation between neuropsychological achievements and the form and duration of illness.