Neurology AdvisorDepression, Anxiety May Affect Cognitive Outcomes in MS Differently Based on Age

Age, a Critical Moderator in Anxiety/Depression and Cognitive Outcomes in MS

In recent findings from the ACTRIMS Forum 2023, researchers underscored the crucial role of age in the relationship between mental health and cognitive outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Key Points:

• Age significantly moderates the impact of depression and anxiety on cognitive outcomes in MS patients, according to research presented at the ACTRIMS Forum 2023.
• The University of Toronto study involved 802 patients, separated into younger (mean age 37.80) and older cohorts (mean age 55.10).
• The older cohort demonstrated more progressive illness, greater disability, lower educational attainment, and longer disease duration, compared to the younger cohort.
• Among younger patients, higher depression scores correlated with cognitive impairment and poorer performance in several cognitive tests.
• Among older patients, high depression scores showed a negative correlation only with COWAT and D-KEFS scores.
• Both cohorts displayed significant interactions between depression and anxiety and certain cognitive tests.
• The study’s limitations include a small sample size and imbalances between cohorts.