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Why MSers should never use the phone (text, call, etc.) while driving

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  • Why MSers should never use the phone (text, call, etc.) while driving

    It's a good rule to follow. Even minor cog issues can have major consequences. It's not worth the risk. - D

    Distraction adds to the cognitive burden in multiple sclerosis

    Viral P Patel Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Aaron Zambrana Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Lisa AS Walker Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada/University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada/Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Nathan Herrmann Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Anthony Feinstein⇑ Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    •Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.

    Abstract

    Background: Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) causes numerous limitations in activities of daily living.

    Objectives: To develop an improved method of cognitive assessment in people with MS using novel real-world distracters.

    Methods: A sample of 99 people with MS and 55 demographically matched healthy controls underwent testing with the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) and a modified version of the computerized Symbol Digit Modalities Test (c-SDMT). Half of the subjects completed the c-SDMT with built-in real-world distracters and half without.

    Results: The mean time on the c-SDMT was significantly greater in MS subjects than healthy controls for both distracter (p = 0.001) and non-distracter (p < 0.001) versions. Significantly more MS subjects were impaired on the c-SDMT with distracters than the traditional SDMT (47.1% vs 30.3%, p = 0.04). There were no differences in impairment between the c-SDMT with and without distracters (47.1% vs 37.5%, p = 0.34). The distracter version had a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 88% in detecting global cognitive impairment.

    Conclusions: The incorporation of distracters improves the sensitivity of a validated computerized version of the SDMT relative to the non-distracter and traditional versions and offers a quick and easy means of detecting cognitive impairment in people with MS.
    Dave Bexfield
    ActiveMSers

  • #2
    No one should text, call, talk on phone while driving

    I have cognitive disabilities (actually just got my disability through SS because of it) and my husband has worried about me becoming distracted while driving many times in the past. I am at the point now where I can't even have the radio on if I am driving in an unfamiliar area. I can't imagine how people think that driving is such a menial task that they can multi-task with coffee, cigarette, make up, phone, radio or MP3 playlist, and traffic coming in all directions while they are driving a half-ton (or more) killing machine. Then these same people wonder why they left their baby in the back seat of a hot car all day while they were gone at work. Choose not to be distracted and save lives, including your own and those of your children.

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    • #3
      You are so right, Kelly. Distracted driving is a huge cause of accidents and it is completely avoidable. MS just compounds the issue, which is already deadly serious. Great to see you on the forum!
      Dave Bexfield
      ActiveMSers

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