A large review of 69 studies looked at how well people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) could perform on verbal fluency tasks. These tests measure how easily a person can produce words based on specific sounds or meanings.
The findings showed that individuals with MS and NMOSD performed significantly worse on these speech tasks than healthy people. Specifically, both phonemic and semantic fluency were lower in those with these conditions. The study also found that people with progressive forms of MS had harder time with verbal fluency than those with relapsing-remitting forms.
While the data shows a clear link between speech performance and cognitive function, it is important to remember this is an observational summary of existing research. These results suggest that testing verbal fluency could help doctors identify patients who might need specific cognitive support. You should speak with your healthcare provider to discuss what these findings mean for your personal care plan.
