Neurológia pre prax 3/2022

Cognitive dysfunction in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Cognitive dysfunction is among the less frequently investigated and diagnosed signs in multiple sclerosis (MS). Standard diagnostic processes used in routine neurological practice fail to sufficiently consider cognitive impairment. Cognitive dysfunction is more common in progressive MS variants and can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. Secondary progressive MS is a difficult-to-treat condition. Siponimod is the first drug which, in patients with secondary progressive MS, has been shown to reduce the progression of disability while having a positive effect on cognitive functions. Cognitive monitoring can prospectively be a new parameter which could be used to monitor treatment efficacy.

Keywords: secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, cognitive test, siponimod, SDMT