Cognitive Impairment in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Study Using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS)

Background: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. The study aimed to characterize the neuropsychological profile of NMOSD by comparing them with multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls.

Method: Sixty-four participants were included:19 NMOSD, 27 MS, and 18 healthy controls. The neuropsychological protocol included the Portuguese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS), Verbal Fluency (phonemic and semantic), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale for clinical groups.

Results: NMOSD patients had significant lower cognitive performance when compared to HC mainly in information processing speed, concentration, language processing, and in executive functions (cognitive flexibility, sustained, and divided attention). No significant differences were observed between NMOSD and MS patients. Three predictors for cognitive impairment, according to BICAMS criteria, were found: depression, disease duration, and the level of disability.

Conclusion: The neuropsychological profile found in the present study for NMOSD is consistent with the previous findings. Information regarding the predictors of cognitive impairment in both diseases and their different associations are important for future research and for guiding interventions more suitable for the neuropsychological needs of affected patients.