Research in multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests warmer weather plays a role in disease manifestation.
Objective:
This work sought to replicate the finding that warmer outdoor temperatures are significantly associated with poorer cognition in MS.
Methods:
Associations between outdoor temperature and cognition were examined in three studies with a total of 263 patients with MS.
Results:
Contrary to previous research, no significant relationship was found between cognitive performance and outdoor temperature in MS.
Conclusions:
The results of the current work underscore the need to better understand if, when, and how cognitive performance may be influenced by seasonal variables in MS.
MeierDSBalashovKEHealyB. Seasonal prevalence of MS disease activity. Neurology2010; 75: 799–806.
2.
BamfordCRSibleyWAThiesC. Seasonal variation of multiple sclerosis exacerbations in Arizona. Neurology1983; 33: 697–701.
3.
SimmonsRDPonsonbyALvan der MeiIAF. What affects your MS? Responses to an anonymous, Internet-based epidemiological survey. Mult Scler2004; 10: 202–211.
4.
LeavittVMSumowskiJFChiaravallotiN. Warmer outdoor temperature is associated with worse cognitive status in multiple sclerosis. Neurology2012; 78: 964–968.
5.
LeavittVMWylieGChiaravallotiN. Warmer outdoor temperature is associated with task-related increased BOLD activation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Brain Imaging Behav2014; 8:128–132.
6.
FeasterHTBruceJM. Visual acuity is associated with performance on visual and non-visual neuropsychological tests in multiple sclerosis. Clin Neuropsychol2011; 25: 640–651.
7.
RobergBLBruceJMLovelaceCT. How patients with multiple sclerosis perceive cognitive slowing. Clin Neuropsychol2012; 26:1278–1295.
8.
BruceJMHancockLMArnettP. Treatment adherence in multiple sclerosis: Association with emotional status, personality, and cognition. J Behav Med2010; 33: 219–227.
9.
LezakMDHowiesonDBBiglerED. Neuropsychological assessment. 5th ed.New York, New York: Oxford University Press; 2012.
10.
SharrackBHughesRA. The Guy’s Neurological Disability Scale (GNDS): A new disability measure for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler1999; 5:223–233.
