Acquisition and Storage Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This study examined whether verbal and visual memory impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS) are attributable to deficits in acquisition, storage, or retrieval. Volunteers with MS (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 20) rehearsed a word list and a checkerboard pattern using a selective reminding procedure until two consecutive error-free trials were attained. Recall and recognition were assessed after 30 min and 90 min (and 1 week for verbal material) delays. The MS group required significantly more trials to attain criterion on both learning tests. Once equated for acquisition, both groups performed similarly on verbal recall and recognition. However the MS group performed significantly worse on measures of visual recall and recognition. The results suggest that the verbal memory impairment in MS is due to deficient acquisition, while the visual memory impairment in MS is attributable to deficits in acquisition and storage.

The Nature of Verbal Memory Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis: A List-Learning and Meta-analytic Study

“…Many studies support the notion that reduced verbal memory functioning in MS is associated with reduced processing speed (Arnett, 2004;DeLuca et al, 1994;Litvan et al, 1988), although a few do not (DeLuca et al, 1998;Thornton & Raz, 1997). One study that did not find significant correlations between verbal memory and processing speed used a processing speed variable that likely had reduced sensitivity because it was adjusted to keep initial performance constant (DeLuca et al, 1998), while another study with a similar finding used an index that does not adequately assess processing speed (Thornton & Raz, 1997). Other studies have reported the more general finding that MS patients have impaired information processing speed (Archibald & Fisk, 2000;DeLuca, Chelune, Tulsky, Lengenfelder, & Chiaravolloti, 2004;Demaree, DeLuca, Gaudino, & Diamond, 1999;Litvan et al, 1988).…”

“…The primary pathological process in MS involves demyelination seen as hyperintensities on T2 or FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in theory leads to disruption of corticalsubcortical circuits (Filley, 1998(Filley, , 2012Mesulam, 1990). Many studies support the notion that reduced verbal memory functioning in MS is associated with reduced processing speed (Arnett, 2004;DeLuca et al, 1994;Litvan et al, 1988), although a few do not (DeLuca et al, 1998;Thornton & Raz, 1997). One study that did not find significant correlations between verbal memory and processing speed used a processing speed variable that likely had reduced sensitivity because it was adjusted to keep initial performance constant (DeLuca et al, 1998), while another study with a similar finding used an index that does not adequately assess processing speed (Thornton & Raz, 1997).…”

Increased cerebral activation after behavioral treatment for memory deficits in MS

“…A wide symptom array follows, including cognitive impairment [2]. Learning and memory is the most common cognitive symptom [2,3], evident in 40-65% of patients [4] and demonstrated to be a result of new learning deficits [5,6].…”

Activation patterns in multiple sclerosis on the Computerized Tests of Information Processing

“…Further, the Relative Consequence Model proposed by DeLuca and colleagues [5] suggests that the processing speed deficit observed in individuals with MS is primary, and in turn, is the source of the deficits in other cognitive domains. This has received support in the literature [7,[12][13][14]. Pathological explanations for the processing speed deficits have been postulated [15][16][17]; however, Hillary [18] suggests that reaction time has been understudied.…”