United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence

Prevalence of Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Stephen Rao explains that professional opinion has changed over the years. Recent studies show that cognitive dysfunction in MS patients is very high. It ranges from anywhere from 43 to 65%. However, all the studies use clinic attendees, people who are getting regular care from their neurologist. But people in the community who have a milder form of the disease are not regularly cared for and are not inclued in these studies. A Rao study in 1991 using a community-based sample found a lower percentage.
(3 minutes)

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