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Review Article
Submitted: 2023-11-13
Accepted: 2024-01-27
Published online: 2024-03-21
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Symbol Digit Modalities Test in progressive multiple sclerosis

Bartosz Gajewski1, Iwona Karlińska1, Mariusz Stasiołek1
·
Pubmed: 38512126
Affiliations
  1. Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland

open access

Ahead of print
Review articles
Submitted: 2023-11-13
Accepted: 2024-01-27
Published online: 2024-03-21

Abstract

Introduction. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a highly sensitive neuropsychological tool used for the assessment of information processing speed (IPS) in various neurological disorders.

State of the art. In this review, we have focused on the current knowledge regarding the use of SDMT selectively in the evaluation of progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) patients. A literature review was performed regarding the application of SDMT in PMS, with a focus on the primary progressive and secondary progressive subtypes. Relationships of diverse disease-associated factors with SDMT have been described, including disease course, imaging findings, molecular biomarkers, treatment and others.

Clinical implications. SDMT is a very useful and easily applicable instrument in the diagnostic armamentarium of neurologists and neuropsychologists. It is especially valuable in the evaluation of PMS patients, in whom the prevalence of IPS deficits is higher than in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subjects or in healthy individuals.

Future directions. An emphasis should be laid on larger study groups and differentiating between individual PMS subtypes and their separate analysis in the context of cognitive assessment.

Abstract

Introduction. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a highly sensitive neuropsychological tool used for the assessment of information processing speed (IPS) in various neurological disorders.

State of the art. In this review, we have focused on the current knowledge regarding the use of SDMT selectively in the evaluation of progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) patients. A literature review was performed regarding the application of SDMT in PMS, with a focus on the primary progressive and secondary progressive subtypes. Relationships of diverse disease-associated factors with SDMT have been described, including disease course, imaging findings, molecular biomarkers, treatment and others.

Clinical implications. SDMT is a very useful and easily applicable instrument in the diagnostic armamentarium of neurologists and neuropsychologists. It is especially valuable in the evaluation of PMS patients, in whom the prevalence of IPS deficits is higher than in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subjects or in healthy individuals.

Future directions. An emphasis should be laid on larger study groups and differentiating between individual PMS subtypes and their separate analysis in the context of cognitive assessment.

Get Citation

Keywords

Symbol Digit Modalities Test, SDMT, progressive multiple sclerosis, information processing speed, cognitive dysfunction

About this article
Title

Symbol Digit Modalities Test in progressive multiple sclerosis

Journal

Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska

Issue

Ahead of print

Article type

Review Article

Published online

2024-03-21

Page views

178

Article views/downloads

163

DOI

10.5603/pjnns.98204

Pubmed

38512126

Keywords

Symbol Digit Modalities Test
SDMT
progressive multiple sclerosis
information processing speed
cognitive dysfunction

Authors

Bartosz Gajewski
Iwona Karlińska
Mariusz Stasiołek

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