Cognitive impairment is a well-documented issue in multiple sclerosis (MS), with annual screenings recommended by several international MS organizations. However, a number of survey studies in the United States and Europe have indicated that cognitive screenings are not routinely done, which may result in patients not receiving timely care. Using an objective and validated cognitive screening tool is critical for accurate diagnoses, as there is evidence that subjective clinical impressions are no better than chance. This clinical course will give an update on cognitive screening approaches in MS, providing participants with the knowledge and resources to implement routine screenings into their clinic workflow. Participants will learn about different screening tool options that have been validated in MS, how to select measures based on their clinic’s needs, including when an in-clinic neuropsychologist is not available, and potential solutions for implementation barriers, such as limited time to do screenings and issues accessing appropriate measures. Participants will also learn about other annual screenings that should be considered along with cognition (e.g., depression, fatigue, bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction), how screenings are necessary for reaching accurate diagnoses and intervention referrals, and the role of technology for remote and in-person screenings. Finally, participants will hear from a patient’s perspectives on the importance of screenings as part of their comprehensive care and their experience as an advisor developing a novel, MS-specific cognitive screening tool. Level of Information: IntermediateCognitive impairment is a well-documented issue in multiple sclerosis (MS), with annual screenings recommended by several international MS organizations. However, a number of survey studies in the United States and Europe have indicated that cognitive screenings are not routinely done, which may result in patients not receiving timely care. Using an objective and validated cognitive screening tool is critical for accurate diagnoses, as there is evidence that subjective clinical impressions are no better than chance. This clinical course will give an update on cognitive screening approaches in MS, providing participants with the knowledge and resources to implement routine screenings into their clinic workflow. Participants will learn about different screening tool options that have been validated in MS, how to select measures based on their clinic’s needs, including when an in-clinic neuropsychologist is not available, and potential solutions for implementation barriers, such as limited time to do screenings and issues accessing appropriate measures. Participants will also learn about other annual screenings that should be considered along with cognition (e.g., depression, fatigue, bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction), how screenings are necessary for reaching accurate diagnoses and intervention referrals, and the role of technology for remote and in-person screenings. Finally, participants will hear from a patient’s perspectives on the importance of screenings as part of their comprehensive care and their experience as an advisor developing a novel, MS-specific cognitive screening tool. Level of Information: Intermediate
