Verbal fluency refers to the ability to generate words or speech in an efficient manner. Some literature states having a verbal fluency deficit is a core symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), whereas...Show moreVerbal fluency refers to the ability to generate words or speech in an efficient manner. Some literature states having a verbal fluency deficit is a core symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), whereas other literature report no verbal fluency deficits in People with MS (PwMS). Therefore, the aim of the current paper is to investigate the frequency and underlying factors of verbal fluency deficits in individuals with MS. Data was retrospectively collected from patient charts. This data contained neuropsychological assessments that were performed to measure verbal fluency, depression, fatigue, and information processing speed. These were measured by the Controlled Oral Word Association test (COWAT), the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D), Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). A total of 224 PwMS were included in the study. PwMS had a mean age of 52.2, 164 were female (73%), 138 had Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) (61.6%), 66 had Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) (29.5%) and 20 had Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) (8.9%). Someone is considered to have a verbal fluency deficit when they have a COWAT score of 25 or lower (5th percentile). Results show that 34% (76/224) of PwMS show verbal fluency deficits. Furthermore, verbal fluency is affected more severely in people with SPMS than in people with RRMS (t(186)= 2.094, p = .019). Information processing speed significantly influences verbal fluency (F(1, 188) = 59,734, p = <.001). No effect of fatigue or depression was found on verbal fluency deficits. The findings from this study contribute to a better understanding of the frequency of verbal fluency deficits in MS and their relationship with depression, fatigue and information processing speed. The finding of a relatively high occurrence of verbal fluency deficits in PwMS should encourage neuropsychologists to be mindful of this deficit to increase cognitive care for PwMS.Show less
