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General Mathematical Ability Predicts PASAT Performance in MS Patients: Implications for Clinical Interpretation and Cognitive Reserve

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2016

Joshua Sandry ,
Jessica Paxton  and
James F. Sumowski
Joshua Sandry*
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, New Jersey Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers–New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
Jessica Paxton
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, State University of New York, Plattsburgh, New York
James F. Sumowski
Affiliation:
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College Columbia University
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Joshua Sandry, Psychology Department, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043. E-mail: sandryj@montclair.edu
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Abstract

Objectives: The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is used to assess cognitive status in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the mathematical demands of the PASAT seem minor (single-digit arithmetic), cognitive psychology research links greater mathematical ability (e.g., algebra, calculus) to more rapid retrieval of single-digit math facts (e.g., 5+6=11). The present study evaluated the hypotheses that (a) mathematical ability is related to PASAT performance and (b) both the relationship between intelligence and PASAT performance as well as the relationship between education and PASAT performance are both mediated by mathematical ability. Methods: Forty-five MS patients were assessed using the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading, PASAT and Calculation Subtest of the Woodcock-Johnson-III. Regression based path analysis and bootstrapping were used to compute 95% confidence intervals and test for mediation. Results: Mathematical ability (a) was related to PASAT (β=.61; p<.001) and (b) fully mediated the relationship between Intelligence and PASAT (β=.76; 95% confidence interval (CI95)=.28, 1.45; direct effect of Intelligence, β=.42; CI95=−.39, 1.23) as well as the relationship between Education and PASAT (β=2.43, CI95=.81, 5.16, direct effect of Education, β=.83, CI95=−1.95, 3.61). Discussion: Mathematical ability represents a source of error in the clinical interpretation of cognitive decline using the PASAT. Domain-specific cognitive reserve is discussed. (JINS, 2016, 22, 375–378)

Keywords

CognitionIntelligenceMath abilityCognitive reserveMultiple sclerosisPASAT
Type
Brief Communication
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 22 , Issue 3 , March 2016 , pp. 375 - 378
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2016 

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