WORKING MEMORY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS

Working memory is one of the most important cognitive components in multiple
sclerosis (MS) patients that affect the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
correlation between the working memory and the quality of life in MS patients.
Materials & Methods: In this study correlation and T-test methods were used. 35 MS patient (12 man
and 23 women) and 30 normal people (11 men and 19 women) were selected using available sampling
method. They were classified regarding age and level of education. The data were gathered by Beck
Depression Inquiry, Quality of Life questionnaire and Wechsler active memory scale.
Results: The comparison of working memory means showed significant difference in both auditory
active memory (P< 0.001), spatial active memory (P< 0.001), and all four mental, physical, social and
environmental aspects (P< 0.001) among normal and patient groups. The logistic regression analysis
results showed that the physical health and quality of life of MS patients were influenced
(CI=0.977-1.709, OR= 3.223).
Conclusion: Findings of the study indicates that, compared to normal people, MS patients have
significant deficit in auditory active memory, and spatial active memory. This cognitive deficit
negatively influences the quality of life in early stages of MS disease.