Frequency of Cognitive Assessments in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Rationale for Testing Frequency

• The recommended frequency for performing the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is every 6 months, as supported by expert consensus, allowing for detection of significant changes in cognitive function while minimizing practice effects 1
• This testing frequency aligns with other monitoring recommendations for MS patients, such as follow-up brain MRI scans which are recommended every 3-6 months depending on risk factors 2, 3

Special Monitoring Considerations

• More frequent monitoring (every 3-4 months) may be warranted in patients at high risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), such as those on certain medications with treatment duration ≥18 months 2
• Less frequent monitoring (annually) may be appropriate for patients with stable disease and low risk of complications 2
• Patients with slowly progressing forms of MS may also be suitable for less frequent monitoring, such as every 6 months 1

Integrating SDMT with Other Monitoring

• SDMT should be part of a comprehensive monitoring approach that includes regular brain MRI scans with T2-weighted, FLAIR, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences to detect new or enlarging lesions 2, 3, 5
• The monitoring approach should also include assessment of disease-modifying therapy effectiveness and evaluation for potential treatment adjustments in patients with evidence of disease progression 5