| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Mental health problems (depression, stress, and anxiety) are debilitating symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), and may be associated with cognitive dysfunction across different subtypes of the disease. This study aimed to compare cognitive performance across MS subtypes and examine the relationships between mental health symptoms and cognitive functions, in order to explore potential patterns of cognitive vulnerability in patients at various stages of MS compared to healthy controls.
A total of 97 participants aged 18–49 years were included: 25 with Newly Diagnosed MS (ND), 24 with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), 24 with Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS), and 24 healthy controls (HC). All participants completed standardized assessments of cognitive function and mental health status.
Comparisons among the patient groups revealed differences in cognitive functions and mental health problems, particularly depression and stress. The HC and ND groups had higher scores in most cognitive tests, especially when compared to the SPMS group. However, the ND group showed higher levels of depression and stress. Significant negative correlations were observed between mental health problems and certain cognitive functions in the ND and RRMS groups.
These findings suggest that mental health difficulties may be linked to cognitive performance even in the early stages of MS. The results underscore the importance of early psychological screening and supportive interventions to help mitigate cognitive challenges throughout the course of the disease. |