Faculty Collaboration Database

Executive functions in multiple sclerosis: an analysis of temporal ordering, semantic encoding, and planning abilities. Neuropsychology 1997 Oct;11(4):535-44

Date

11/05/1997

Pubmed ID

9345697

DOI

10.1037//0894-4105.11.4.535

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0030727070 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   133 Citations

Abstract

Previous studies have consistently demonstrated impairments in conceptual reasoning and set-shifting abilities in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Other executive functions have been less frequently examined. We compared 44 MS patients and 48 demographically matched controls on a temporal-ordering and semantic-encoding task and on a test of planning (Tower of Hanoi). Compared with controls, MS patients experienced deficient semantic encoding and planning but unimpaired temporal-order memory. For both tasks, post hoc analyses indicated that chronic-progressive MS patients contributed most to the group differences. A combination of poor planning and slowed information-processing speed was hypothesized to have contributed to MS patients' impaired Tower of Hanoi performance. Further research is needed to explore the possible relationship between semantic-encoding and planning deficits in MS and social and occupational disabilities.

Author List

Arnett PA, Rao SM, Grafman J, Bernardin L, Luchetta T, Binder JR, Lobeck L

Author

Jeffrey R. Binder MD Professor in the Neurology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Cues
Female
Humans
Male
Mental Processes
Middle Aged
Multiple Sclerosis
Neuropsychological Tests
Psychomotor Performance
Time Perception
Verbal Behavior