INTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment is frequent in multiple sclerosis and predominantly affects visuospatial abilities, memory, attention, and executive functions. Because of the specific cognitive profile, different from that in Alzheimer's disease and other frequent disorders presenting with dementia, specific neuropsychological instruments need to be used in multiple sclerosis. The aim of the present study is to assess the applicability of the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCFT) for assessing cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis in comparison with a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and two individuals, 70 patients with MS and 32 healthy control subjects were assessed using ROCFT. A standardized system for assessment by points and percentages was used. The results from both groups were compared statistically using independent samples t-test. RESULTS: On the copying task, the differences between patients and controls reached statistical significance, p<0.05 for the raw score, and p<0.001 after results were grouped by percentiles. On the drawing by memory task the differences between the two groups also showed statistical significance, p<0.01. CONCLUSION: ROCFT shows statistically significant differences between patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy subjects. Highest levels of significance were observed for copying, scored by percentiles, and for drawing by memory. The application of ROCFT can provide valuable information about cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

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SummaryThe aim of the investigation was to analyze the correlation between myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease, on the one hand, and acute ischemic stroke (AIS), on the other hand. We studied 258 AIS patients (mean age 70.9±7.22 years, range 49-92 years) hospitalized in 2007-2013 in the First Clinic of Neurology, St. Marina University Hospital of Varna. The diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke was confirmed by Doppler sonography and computed tomography of the cerebral circulation. Data were statistically processed by variation and correlation analysis. Our results proved a relatively strong correlation between effort angina pectoris and ischemic heart disease (Pearson's coefficient: r=0.643) as well as a weak correlation between ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction (Pearson's coefficient: r=0.243) among acute ischemic stroke patients. The well-known risk factors for these cardiovascular diseases such as obesity, tobacco smoking, low physical activity and alcohol abuse were common among the patients with acute ischemic stroke, too. In conclusion, both myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease are strongly associated with the development of acute ischemic stroke. Such patients require strict and regular control by general practitioners. They should observe an appropriate diet and adhere to a healthy life-style.

INTRODUCTION:There is rising evidence of the role of hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). There is a considerable risk for AIS in adult individuals with these abnormalities. Our purpose was to reveal the incidence rate of the disorders of lipid metabolism in adult AIS patients.