Cognitive Dysfunction in MS: New Insights and Clinical Management

Taormina, Italy (ots/PRNewswire) -

18-19 October 2013

Up to 70% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from
cognitive impairment.[1] This condition frequently affects them even
in the very early stages of the disease and has a negative influence
on their quality of life and social functioning. Serono Symposia
International Foundation (SSIF) has organized an international
conference, 'Cognitive dysfunction in MS: New insights and clinical
management' starting today in Taormina with the participation of
leading international experts in the field of MS.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/529205 )

Cognitive impairment typically involves complex attention,
information processing speed, (episodic) memory and executive
functions, and often affects personal life and vocational
status.[2]-[3]

"This cognitive dysfunction associated with MS has a strong impact
on the daily life of patients" - explains Professor Francesco Patti
from the Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Italy.
"Also, while the treatment of cognitive decline is still under
discussion, controlled studies indicate that immunomodulatory
therapies are associated with a modest cognitive improvement."[4]

The aim of the SSIF conference is to review the state of the art
in the field of cognition in MS and provide participants with new
insight on significant aspects of cognitive dysfunction in MS
patients, such as: affective and emotional problems; cognitive
reserve; new techniques of MRI and clinical assessment tools. One
session of the meeting will focus on cognition in the pediatric MS
population.

"This disease mainly affects young people, so it is very important
to improve the management of cognitive impairment" - says Professor
Giancarlo Comi, President of the SSIF Scientific Committee. "In such
a challenging field, our commitment is to progress in the clinical
management of these dysfunctions: this kind of discussion contributes
through sharing knowledge and recommendations for the improvement of
clinical practice."

References

1) Patti F, Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis,
2009
2) Jongen PJ, Ter Horst AT, Brands AM, Cognitive impairment in multiple
sclerosis, 2012
3) Amato MP et al., Treatment of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis:
position paper, J Neurol, 2013
4) Patti F, Treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with multiple
sclerosis, Expert Opinion Invest Drugs, 2012

Serono Symposia International Foundation is a non-profit
organization which was founded to disseminate the most innovative
achievements and potential developments of medical and scientific
research through Continuing Medical Education programs to improve the
life of patients.

Contact: Serena Dell'Ariccia +39-(366)66-85-818

Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/529205

ots Originaltext: Serono Symposia International Foundation
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