Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky; Joseph John Ryan; Laura Glass Umfleet

doi:doi:10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12

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Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky, Joseph John Ryan, Laura Glass Umfleet

Published in Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience (Volume 5, Issue 2)

Received: 9 March 2021 Accepted: 29 March 2021 Published: 26 April 2021

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Abstract

Historically, the Wechsler Memory Scales have been one of the most commonly used measures of memory in clinical neuropsychological evaluations. There are limited published reports, however, analyzing the performance of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on the Fourth Edition of the test. The aim of this investigation was to describe the utility of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) in detecting and characterizing the memory deficits associated with relapsing-remitting MS. Thirty-four outpatients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS were administered the WMS-IV and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). Means for age, education, and duration of MS diagnosis were 43.15, 14.88, and 8.41 years, respectively. Index scores did not differ significantly across the five WMS-IV domains. Comparison of actual WMS-IV indexes with those predicted by the WAIS-IV General Ability Index revealed that in every instance predicted index means were significantly higher than actual index means. Only 6 (17.6%) of 34 patients had all five actual and predicted index scores at comparable levels; whereas, 28 (82.4%) had ≥ 1 actual indexes significantly below the predicted level. Contrary to prior research using earlier versions of these measures, more patients demonstrated relatively reduced performances on the WMS-IV Visual Working Memory Index than on the WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index. Results support the use of the WMS-IV in evaluating learning and memory in individuals with MS. Findings also challenge the notion that the information processing deficits in MS are more reflective of reduced processing speed than impaired working memory.

Published in	Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience (Volume 5, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12
Page(s)	13-17
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Assessment, Learning, Neuropsychology, Processing Speed, Working Memory

References

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APA Style

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky, Joseph John Ryan, Laura Glass Umfleet. (2021). Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings. Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience, 5(2), 13-17. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12

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ACS Style

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky; Joseph John Ryan; Laura Glass Umfleet. Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings. Clin. Neurol. Neurosci. 2021, 5(2), 13-17. doi: 10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12

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AMA Style

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky, Joseph John Ryan, Laura Glass Umfleet. Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings. Clin Neurol Neurosci. 2021;5(2):13-17. doi: 10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12

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@article{10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12,
  author = {Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky and Joseph John Ryan and Laura Glass Umfleet},
  title = {Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings},
  journal = {Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience},
  volume = {5},
  number = {2},
  pages = {13-17},
  doi = {10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cnn.20210502.12},
  abstract = {Historically, the Wechsler Memory Scales have been one of the most commonly used measures of memory in clinical neuropsychological evaluations. There are limited published reports, however, analyzing the performance of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on the Fourth Edition of the test. The aim of this investigation was to describe the utility of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) in detecting and characterizing the memory deficits associated with relapsing-remitting MS. Thirty-four outpatients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS were administered the WMS-IV and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). Means for age, education, and duration of MS diagnosis were 43.15, 14.88, and 8.41 years, respectively. Index scores did not differ significantly across the five WMS-IV domains. Comparison of actual WMS-IV indexes with those predicted by the WAIS-IV General Ability Index revealed that in every instance predicted index means were significantly higher than actual index means. Only 6 (17.6%) of 34 patients had all five actual and predicted index scores at comparable levels; whereas, 28 (82.4%) had ≥ 1 actual indexes significantly below the predicted level. Contrary to prior research using earlier versions of these measures, more patients demonstrated relatively reduced performances on the WMS-IV Visual Working Memory Index than on the WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index. Results support the use of the WMS-IV in evaluating learning and memory in individuals with MS. Findings also challenge the notion that the information processing deficits in MS are more reflective of reduced processing speed than impaired working memory.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings
AU  - Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky
AU  - Joseph John Ryan
AU  - Laura Glass Umfleet
Y1  - 2021/04/26
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12
T2  - Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience
JF  - Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience
JO  - Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience
SP  - 13
EP  - 17
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-8930
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12
AB  - Historically, the Wechsler Memory Scales have been one of the most commonly used measures of memory in clinical neuropsychological evaluations. There are limited published reports, however, analyzing the performance of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on the Fourth Edition of the test. The aim of this investigation was to describe the utility of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) in detecting and characterizing the memory deficits associated with relapsing-remitting MS. Thirty-four outpatients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS were administered the WMS-IV and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). Means for age, education, and duration of MS diagnosis were 43.15, 14.88, and 8.41 years, respectively. Index scores did not differ significantly across the five WMS-IV domains. Comparison of actual WMS-IV indexes with those predicted by the WAIS-IV General Ability Index revealed that in every instance predicted index means were significantly higher than actual index means. Only 6 (17.6%) of 34 patients had all five actual and predicted index scores at comparable levels; whereas, 28 (82.4%) had ≥ 1 actual indexes significantly below the predicted level. Contrary to prior research using earlier versions of these measures, more patients demonstrated relatively reduced performances on the WMS-IV Visual Working Memory Index than on the WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index. Results support the use of the WMS-IV in evaluating learning and memory in individuals with MS. Findings also challenge the notion that the information processing deficits in MS are more reflective of reduced processing speed than impaired working memory.
VL  - 5
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky

Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare, Department of Psychology, Columbus, Ohio, The United States
Joseph John Ryan

University of Central Missouri, School of Nutrition, Kinesiology, and Psychological Science, Warrensburg, Missouri, The United States
Laura Glass Umfleet

Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Neurology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The United States

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APA Style

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky, Joseph John Ryan, Laura Glass Umfleet. (2021). Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings. Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience, 5(2), 13-17. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12

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ACS Style

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky; Joseph John Ryan; Laura Glass Umfleet. Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings. Clin. Neurol. Neurosci. 2021, 5(2), 13-17. doi: 10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12

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AMA Style

Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky, Joseph John Ryan, Laura Glass Umfleet. Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings. Clin Neurol Neurosci. 2021;5(2):13-17. doi: 10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12

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@article{10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12,
  author = {Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky and Joseph John Ryan and Laura Glass Umfleet},
  title = {Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings},
  journal = {Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience},
  volume = {5},
  number = {2},
  pages = {13-17},
  doi = {10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cnn.20210502.12},
  abstract = {Historically, the Wechsler Memory Scales have been one of the most commonly used measures of memory in clinical neuropsychological evaluations. There are limited published reports, however, analyzing the performance of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on the Fourth Edition of the test. The aim of this investigation was to describe the utility of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) in detecting and characterizing the memory deficits associated with relapsing-remitting MS. Thirty-four outpatients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS were administered the WMS-IV and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). Means for age, education, and duration of MS diagnosis were 43.15, 14.88, and 8.41 years, respectively. Index scores did not differ significantly across the five WMS-IV domains. Comparison of actual WMS-IV indexes with those predicted by the WAIS-IV General Ability Index revealed that in every instance predicted index means were significantly higher than actual index means. Only 6 (17.6%) of 34 patients had all five actual and predicted index scores at comparable levels; whereas, 28 (82.4%) had ≥ 1 actual indexes significantly below the predicted level. Contrary to prior research using earlier versions of these measures, more patients demonstrated relatively reduced performances on the WMS-IV Visual Working Memory Index than on the WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index. Results support the use of the WMS-IV in evaluating learning and memory in individuals with MS. Findings also challenge the notion that the information processing deficits in MS are more reflective of reduced processing speed than impaired working memory.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Performance of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV): Preliminary Clinical Findings
AU  - Samuel Thomas Gontkovsky
AU  - Joseph John Ryan
AU  - Laura Glass Umfleet
Y1  - 2021/04/26
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12
T2  - Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience
JF  - Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience
JO  - Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience
SP  - 13
EP  - 17
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-8930
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cnn.20210502.12
AB  - Historically, the Wechsler Memory Scales have been one of the most commonly used measures of memory in clinical neuropsychological evaluations. There are limited published reports, however, analyzing the performance of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on the Fourth Edition of the test. The aim of this investigation was to describe the utility of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) in detecting and characterizing the memory deficits associated with relapsing-remitting MS. Thirty-four outpatients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS were administered the WMS-IV and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). Means for age, education, and duration of MS diagnosis were 43.15, 14.88, and 8.41 years, respectively. Index scores did not differ significantly across the five WMS-IV domains. Comparison of actual WMS-IV indexes with those predicted by the WAIS-IV General Ability Index revealed that in every instance predicted index means were significantly higher than actual index means. Only 6 (17.6%) of 34 patients had all five actual and predicted index scores at comparable levels; whereas, 28 (82.4%) had ≥ 1 actual indexes significantly below the predicted level. Contrary to prior research using earlier versions of these measures, more patients demonstrated relatively reduced performances on the WMS-IV Visual Working Memory Index than on the WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index. Results support the use of the WMS-IV in evaluating learning and memory in individuals with MS. Findings also challenge the notion that the information processing deficits in MS are more reflective of reduced processing speed than impaired working memory.
VL  - 5
IS  - 2
ER  -

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