Translational Research in Neuroimmunology: Cognition

Cognitive impairment affects up to 70% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It may already be present in the early stages of disease and impedes with a patient’s ability to maintain employment, take part in activities of daily life, and fully participate in society. Similar to the clinical heterogeneity of MS, there is great variability in cognitive symptoms among patients. Given the impact of such deficits on everyday functioning, an increasing interest in diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment has arisen. This chapter aims to present an overview of those cognitive domains most commonly affected in MS, common approaches to assess the respective cognitive functions as well as procedures which may facilitate cross-species study of cognition.