The rate of neuropsychological assessments in multiple sclerosis has increased—A retrospective study in a Finnish Central Hospital

Objective To investigate possible changes in the rate of conducted neuropsychological assessments and rehabilitation process for patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) during the last two decades. The change in the rate of vocational rehabilitation process was also evaluated. Background Cognitive deficits are frequent among pwMS and negatively affect patients' working ability and quality of life. Preliminary evidence suggests that neuropsychological rehabilitation positively affects cognitive symptoms. Vocational approaches are widely recommended for pwMS. Methods A retrospective survey of all multiple sclerosis (MS) patients diagnosed and treated at the Department of Neurology in Kanta‐Häme Central Hospital over the period 1988‐2013 was conducted using hospital records. The rate of neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation processes as well as vocational rehabilitation processes were evaluated. Results A total of 417 pwMS were identified. A neuropsychological assessment was performed for 104 (24.9%) of these patients, of whom 21 (20.2%) were evaluated between 1988 and 1999 and 83 (79.8%) between 2000 and 2013. Of the 417 patients, eight (1.9%) received neuropsychological rehabilitation, each of these after the year 2000. Only 25 (6.0%) of the 417 pwMS received vocational rehabilitation. Fourteen (56.0%) of the 25 patients received vocational rehabilitation between 1988 and 1999 and 11 (44.0%) between 2000 and 2013. Conclusions Neuropsychological assessment has been a rarity in MS in Finland, but a marked increase in frequency has occurred since the year 2000. Although understanding of MS‐related cognitive impairment and its impact on working ability has increased, the rate of neuropsychological and vocational rehabilitation has remained low.