The relation between self-reported cognitive dysfunction and
neuropsychological performance over 24 weeks was assessed in a sample of
53 multiple sclerosis patients. Subjects were assessed at Weeks Zero and
24 as part of a clinical trial to enhance cognition. At baseline, subjects
had at least mild cognitive impairment on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning
Test and an absence of depression. Neuropsychological performance was
assessed with a modification of the well standardized Brief Repeatable
Battery. The 5-item Perceived Deficits Questionnaire and a 2-item memory
and attention/concentration questionnaire assessed self-perceived
cognitive impairment. Self-assessed cognition did not correlate with
neuropsychological performance at either baseline or 24 weeks. However,
changes in the self-assessment measures did correlate with changes in
neuropsychological performance. Patients accurately perceived some changes
in their level of cognitive dysfunction, though they were insensitive to
the degree of their current dysfunction. Possible explanations of this
pattern of results are discussed. (JINS, 2005, 11,
614–619.)