Effect of Cognitive Impairments in Multiple Sclerosis on Caregivers’ Quality of Life: A Review

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS), which has symptoms like balance problems, fatigue, numbness, loss of vision and tremors, also leads to impairment in cognitive functions. Most patients with MS have difficulties with numbers of cognitive domains including memory, attention, information processing and executive functions. These difficulties also negatively affect the daily life of individuals. As cognitive impairments in MS have been investigated, the impact of these difficulties on both the patients themselves and their caregivers has begun to be recognized. The aim of this study is to overview cognitive impairment in MS patients within the context of caregiver quality of life (QoL). As studies have shown, impairment in cognitive abilities negatively affects the QoL of both patients and caregivers. In conclusion cognitive abilities have an important role in the integration of MS patients and their caregivers into daily life.