Benchmarks of meaningful improvement on neurocognitive tests in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background:

Previous studies have established benchmarks of clinically meaningful decline on neuropsychological tests. However, little is known about meaningful testing benchmarks based on gains in function.

Objective:

Investigate neuropsychological changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with work gains and calculate benchmarks of meaningful improvement on neuropsychological tests.

Methods:

A total of 323 people with MS were monitored longitudinally with neuropsychological testing and the Buffalo Vocational Monitoring Survey.

Results/Conclusions:

Those with work gains showed significant improvement (~3 points) on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) over time, p = 0.01. Benchmarks for clinically meaningful improvement on the SDMT are similar to those previously established for clinically meaningful decline.