Cognitive Reserve Moderates the Effects of Fatigue and Depressive Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis.

To investigate cognitive reserve as a possible moderator in the relationship between fatigue and depressive symptoms in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Fifty-three PwMS (37 female; mean age, 52.66; mean education, 14.

Coping Style Moderates the Effect of Pain on Depression Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: The present study examined coping style as a possible moderator in the relationship between pain and depression in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods: Fifty-four PwMS completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and psychosocial questionnaires that assessed physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Using four pain indices (i.

Sensory-Motor and Affective-Fatigue Factors are Associated with Symbol Digit Performance in Multiple Sclerosis.

Objectives: The oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) has become the standard for the brief screening of cognitive impairment in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). It has been shown to be sensitive to sensory-motor factors involving rudimentary oral motor speed and visual acuity, as well as multiple sclerosis (MS) affective-fatigue factors including depression, fatigue, and anxiety. The present study was designed to provide a greater understanding of these noncognitive factors that might contribute to the oral SDMT by examining all these variables in the same sample.

Perceived Fatigue Impact and Cognitive Variability in Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and healthy controls (HCs) were evaluated on cognitive variability indices and we examined the relationship between fatigue and cognitive variability between these groups. Intraindividual variability (IIV) on a neuropsychological test battery was hypothesized to mediate the group differences expected in fatigue.

Method: Fifty-nine PwMS and 51 HCs completed a psychosocial interview and battery of neuropsychological tests and questionnaires during a 1-day visit.

Cognitive Reserve Attenuates the Effect of Disability on Depression in Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: The current study explored the moderating role of cognitive reserve on the relationship between disability and depression in a sample of individuals in which brain pathology is thought to contribute to depression (multiple sclerosis; MS).

Method: Fifty-four individuals with MS were examined. Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS).

Judgment hurts: The psychological consequences of experiencing stigma in multiple sclerosis.

Rationale: People living with MS often report feeling stigmatized, but little research has examined the psychological impact of this, which is important considering the high prevalence of depression in this population.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess, concurrently and prospectively, the association between stigma and depression in people living with MS.

Methods: Data were available from 5369 participants enrolled in the semi-annual survey conducted by the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS).

Normative Data for a Comprehensive Neuropsychological Test Battery used in the Assessment of Sports-Related Concussion.

Objective: The use of normative data is a hallmark of the neuropsychological assessment process. Within the context of sports-related concussion, utilizing normative data is especially essential when individualized baseline data are unavailable for comparison. The primary purpose of this study was to establish normative data for a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery used in the assessment of sports-related concussion.

Beyond binary: Exploring the merits of three depression groups in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Depression has been traditionally explored in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a binary construct (depressed, not depressed). However, given the 50% lifetime prevalence rate of depression in MS, it may be useful to consider not only currently depressed versus nondepressed patients, but to evaluate groups that better characterize the complexity of MS depression. The objective of the current study was to examine demographic, cognitive, illness, and psychosocial variables thought to associate with depression in MS across 3 groups: currently depressed, remitted depression, and never been depressed.

Factors Associated with Employment Status in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Unemployment is common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is associated with substantial socioeconomic burden. Several MS-related factors have been found to be associated with employment status, including fatigue, depression, cognitive problems, and motor difficulties. However, few studies have examined these factors collectively in predicting employment.

Physical Activity Is Positively Associated with Episodic Memory in Aging.

Aging is associated with performance reductions in executive function and episodic memory, although there is substantial individual variability in cognition among older adults. One factor that may be positively associated with cognition in aging is physical activity. To date, few studies have objectively assessed physical activity in young and older adults, and examined whether physical activity is differentially associated with cognition in aging.

Memory integration in amnesia: prior knowledge supports verbal short-term memory.

Short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) have traditionally been considered cognitively distinct. However, it is known that STM can improve when to-be-remembered information appears in contexts that make contact with prior knowledge, suggesting a more interactive relationship between STM and LTM. The current study investigated whether the ability to leverage LTM in support of STM critically depends on the integrity of the hippocampus.

Vitamin D and long-term memory in multiple sclerosis.

Background And Objective: Memory disturbance is a frequent cognitive complaint by patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent dementia research suggests a beneficial role for vitamin D in long-term memory functioning. While data suggest ameliorative effects of vitamin D for the physical impairments of MS, it is unknown whether vitamin D can benefit the cognitive sequelae.

A review of cardiorespiratory fitness-related neuroplasticity in the aging brain.

The literature examining the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and the brain in older adults has increased rapidly, with 30 of 34 studies published since 2008. Here we review cross-sectional and exercise intervention studies in older adults examining the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and brain structure and function, typically assessed using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Studies of patients with Alzheimer's disease are discussed when available.