Influence of Sociodemographic Characteristics on cognitive Functions in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a a complex diesase that may be presented by different neurological symptoms causing impairment of physical, psychological and cognitive functions. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: This study included 60 MS patients treated at the Department of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Inclusion criteria were clinically definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, 18 years of age or older and were able to give written informed consent. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) screening test. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparisons between sociodemographic characteristics and MoCa test scores. Results: 76.66% were female patients. Average age of patients was 44.5 years. 70% of patients were married. 73,33% of patients had a high school degree, 20% had a college degree while only 6,66% had primary education. 38,33% of patients were employed, 33,33% were unemployed and 28,33% retired. 88.33% of patients had cognitive impairment, 68.33% having mild cognitive impairment. Executive functions (53,66%) and delayed recall (28,33%) were rated the worst. The median value of the Naming and Language MoCa domains of cognition showed statistical significant correlation with level of education (p<0.05; p<0.01).The mean value of the Language variable was statistically significantly lower in respondents aged 35 and over compared to respondents younger than 35 years (p=0,003;p<0,01), Statistically significant correlation was found between the level of education and cognitive status (rho=0,276,p<0,05), while the other variables (gender, age, marital status and employment ) did not show a statistically significant corellation. Conclusion: High perecentage of MS patients has cognitive impairment. Executive functions are rated the worst. Education is the major factor that contribute to better cognitive functioning in MS patients independent of age or employment status. The highest correlation is found between language and naming domains of cognition. Gender did not prove to be predictive factor of cognition in multiple sclerosis patients at any domain.