Validation of trail making test part A for cognitive screening in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a crucial early and late complaint in multiple sclerosis (MS). The exact onset of cognitive impairment in MS and its pathophysiology remain elusive. A simple, easy, and time saving method is crucial for detecting early cognitive complaints, specifically information processing speed, which is important for the functionality of higher cognitive processes. Here, the authors compare the sensitivity and specificity of trail making test part A as a short and free valid test with the symbol digit modality test (SDMT) for assessment of information processing speed in a sample of Egyptian people with MS.