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Mild visual acuity disturbances are associated with performance on tests of complex visual attention in MS

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 March 2007

JARED M. BRUCE ,
AMANDA S. BRUCE  and
PETER A. ARNETT
JARED M. BRUCE
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
AMANDA S. BRUCE
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
PETER A. ARNETT
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Abstract

Because MS patients frequently report visual acuity disturbances, neuropsychologists often screen patients for severe visual acuity disturbances and tailor test batteries that minimize the need for intact vision. Less is known about how mild visual acuity disturbances may influence neuropsychological test performance. This study examined the extent to which mild visual acuity disturbances influence performance on visually-based tests of complex attention. Relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive MS patients who reported adequate vision were recruited for this study. A battery was administered that included the oral version of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the Visual Elevator (VE) subtest from the Test of Everyday Attention, and a reduced near vision eye chart. Results suggested that, in addition to measuring higher order cognitive processes, visual tests of attention are sensitive to mild primary visual disturbances in MS. (JINS, 2007, 13, 544–548.)

Keywords

Multiple sclerosisVisionCognitionNeuropsychologyVisual screeningVision test
Type
BRIEF COMMUNICATION
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 13 , Issue 3 , May 2007 , pp. 544 - 548
Copyright
© 2007 The International Neuropsychological Society

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