Attention Network Test reveals alerting network dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Attention Network Test reveals alerting network dysfunction in multiple sclerosis
Creators Name:	Urbanek, C. and Weinges-Evers, N. and Bellmann-Strobl, J. and Bock, M. and Doerr, J. and Hahn, E. and Neuhaus, A.H. and Opgen-Rhein, C. and Ta, T.M. and Herges, K. and Pfueller, C.F. and Radbruch, H. and Wernecke, K.D. and Ohlraun, S. and Zipp, F. and Dettling, M. and Paul, F.
Abstract:	Attention is one of the cognitive domains typically affected in multiple sclerosis. The Attention Network Test was developed to measure the function of the three distinct attentional networks, alerting, orienting, and executive control. The Attention Network Test has been performed in various neuropsychiatric conditions, but not in multiple sclerosis. Our objective was to investigate functions of attentional networks in multiple sclerosis by means of the Attention Network Test. Patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (n = 57) and healthy controls (n = 57) matched for age, sex, and education performed the Attention Network Test. Significant differences between patients and controls were detected in the alerting network (p = 0.003), in contrast to the orienting (p = 0.696) and the conflict (p = 0.114) network of visual attention. Mean reaction time in the Attention Network Test was significantly longer in multiple sclerosis patients than in controls (p = 0.032), Multiple sclerosis patients benefited less from alerting cues for conflict resolution compared with healthy controls. The Attention Network Test revealed specific alterations of the attention network in multiple sclerosis patients which were not explained by an overall cognitive slowing.
Keywords:	Attention, Cognition Disorders, Conflict (Psychology), Cross-Sectional Studies, Cues, Statistical Data Interpretation, Depression, Disability Evaluation, Disease Progression, Fatigue, Ocular Fixation, Multiple Sclerosis, Nerve Net, Photic Stimulation, Reaction Time
Source:	Multiple Sclerosis
ISSN:	1352-4585
Publisher:	Sage Publications
Volume:	16
Number:	1
Page Range:	93-99
Date:	January 2010
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458509350308
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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