Validation of a Brief Computerized Cognitive Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis (BCCAMS) and comparison with reference batteries.

BACKGROUND: The Brief Computerized Cognitive Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis (BCCAMS) is a short neuropsychological battery for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the study is to validate the BCCAMS. METHODS: PwMS and healthy subjects (HS) were evaluated using the BCCAMS which include two computerized tests, the Computerized Speed Cognitive Test and the Computerized Episodic Visual Memory Test (CEVMT), a newly developed visuospatial memory test, and the French learning test. The Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS), including the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) tests, was also administered. Regression-based norms of the BCCAMS were calculated in 276 HS. BCCAMS was compared with BICAMS and MACFIMS for detection of cognitive impairment (CI). RESULTS: Out of 120 PwMS, CI was detected using the BCCAMS, BICAMS (one impaired test), and MACFIMS (two impaired tests) in 59.1%, 50%, and 37.9%, respectively. The BCCAMS produced the same predictive value as that of the BICAMS battery for detecting CI in the MACFIMS. CONCLUSION: This study validated the BCCAMS as a validated computerized short assessment for information processing speed and learning in MS.

Validation of the French version of the minimal assessment of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MACFIMS).

BACKGROUND: The Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple sclerosis (MACFIMS) is an internationally recognised battery of neuropsychological tests for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVES: To establish regression-based norms for the MACFIMS in French-speaking healthy subjects (HS) and validate its use in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: 136 PwMS, including 43 with relapsing-remitting MS, 46 with secondary progressive MS and 45 with primary progressive MS, as well as 276 HS were enrolled. Regression-based norms and validity were established for the seven tests of the MACIMS: the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), the French learning test (FLT) a French-adapted memory test (or the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) at re-testing), the Judgment of Line Orientation Test (JLO), the 'épreuve de classement de cartes de Champagne' (ECCC), a French adaptation of the DKEF-sorting test, the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT-R) and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT). RESULTS: Regression-based norms of MACFIMS tests were established in the HS population. The MACFIMS battery was able to identify cognitive impairment (CI) (at least two abnormal tests in different domains) in 32.7% of PwMS. The domains with more frequent impairment were (in descending order): learning followed by IPS, delayed memory, verbal fluency and working memory. CONCLUSION: This study established the regression-based norms for French subjects of the French adaptation of the MACFIMS and its validity in PwMS.

Cerebellar Assessment in Early Multiple Sclerosis.

Cerebellar impairment is frequent and predictive of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). The Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) is commonly used to assess cerebellar symptoms despite its lack of specificity for cerebellar ataxia. Eye-tracking is a reliable test for identifying subtle cerebellar symptoms and could be used in clinical trials, including those involving early MS patients. To evaluate, by the use of eye-tracking, the accuracy of the NHPT in detecting subtle cerebellar symptoms in patients with clinically isolated syndrome with a high risk of conversion to MS (HR-CIS). Twenty-nine patients and 13 matched healthy controls (HC) underwent an eye-tracking protocol. Cerebellar impairment was defined by registration of saccadic intrusions or at least 10 % dysmetria in a saccadic movement recording. These criteria were compared to NHPT performance. Sixteen patients fulfilled saccadic criteria for cerebellar impairment. NHPT performance was significantly increased in HR-CIS patients (p < 0.01) versus HC. However, NHPT performance did not differ between cerebellar and non-cerebellar groups. NHPT performance with the dominant hand could differentiate patients, particularly cerebellar patients, from HC, but it could not discriminate cerebellar from non-cerebellar patients who were classified according to saccadic criteria. These findings should be considered in future clinical trials involving HR-CIS patients.