Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting brain and spinal cord and leading prima-rily to motor disability. Cognitive deficit in patients with MS are often neglected in routine clinical practise despite its significant impact on patients' quality of life.
Recent studies have suggested that cognitive impairment is present in almost 65% of patients with MS even at the earliest stages of the disease - in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). The goal of this review was to summarize results of previous studies focused on cognitive deficit in patients with MS.
We put particular emphasis on early stages of the disease including patients after the first clinical manifestation of the disease (CIS), who are likely to develop clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS). We further describe the relationship between cognitive functions and structural changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
We also mention the most commonly used neuropsychological batteries and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of cognitive deficits in patients with MS. The final part of the review focuses on fatigue, depression and quality of life.
Key words: multiple sclerosis - clinically isolated syndrome - cognitive deficit - neuropsychological tests - magnetic resonance imaging The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manu-script met the ICMJE "uniform requirements" for biomedical papers.