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Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology Advance Access published online on March 11, 2009
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, doi:10.1093/arclin/acp007
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the National Academy of Neuropsychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.

Examining the Link between Information Processing Speed and Executive Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis

Margaret A. Drew, Nicola J. Starkey* and Robert B. Isler

Department of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand

* Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, The University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand. Tel.: +64 7 8562889 ext. 6472, fax: +64 7 8585132. E-mail address: nstarkey{at}waikato.ac.nz (N.J. Starkey).


  Abstract

Slowed information processing speed (IPS) is frequently reported in those with multiple sclerosis (MS), and at least 20% are compromised on some aspect of executive functioning also. However, any relationship between these two processes has not been examined. The Sternberg Memory Scanning Test, Processing Speed Index (WAIS-III), Delis Kaplan Executive Function System (D.KEFS), and Working Memory Index (WMS-III) were administered to 90 participants with MS. Their performance on the PSI was significantly below the normative scores but no deficits in memory scanning speed were evident. The initial response speed of the Sternberg and the PSI were more closely related to D.KEFS performance, particularly in timed tasks with a high cognitive demand (switching tasks). In contrast, memory scanning speed was related to working memory. This study reinforces the link between IPS and working memory in MS, and supports the suggestion that IPS is not a unitary construct.

Keywords Multiple sclerosis; Information processing speed; Executive functions; Sternberg Memory Scanning Test; Delis Kaplan Executive Function System; Working memory; Processing Speed Index (PSI); Response speed

Accepted: November 30, 2008


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