Multiple sclerosis is known for robbing people of the ability to walk and move as they once did, and for debilitating pain. But beneath these devastating physical effects lies a slow but sometimes serious effect on the mind. Studies have estimated that anywhere from 40% to 70% of patients with the disorder also show signs of cognitive decline such as memory loss.

Last week, researchers met at the New York Academy of Sciences for a special session on “Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis”. High on the agenda was a group-think about the lack of longitudinal studies and standardization in data collection when it comes to chronicling the effects of the disease on the mind. “Is there a possibility that the neuroscientists could go into a room, close the door, and make up a battery [of tests]?” asked Cleveland Clinic neuroscientist Ranjan Dutta.

When interviewed at the meeting by Nature Medicine, neuropsychologist Stephen Rao, also of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, provided the contrasting example of Alzheimer’s, which can cause relatively precipitous cognitive decline in patients within only a few years, making it easier to measure in the clinic. In comparison, “the rate of decline [in multiple sclerosis] is about 6% of patients per year,” requiring more expensive and longer studies.

Notably, Alzheimer’s researchers have had more recent success when it comes to agreeing upon what metrics to use. The National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) selected a battery of tests in 2005 to measure cognition including number recall (digit span) and the Weschler scale to judge memory, a mini-mental state exam to assess basic mental function, and the trail-making test for memory and task-switching, among others. “By and large, everyone was familiar with them so we took the path of least resistance,” director Walter Kukull told Nature Medicine.

After Dutta’s suggestion at the meeting of reaching an updated consensus for multiple sclerosis metrics, wisecracks were heard about the survival chances of neuroscientists arguing in a room. But Rao reminded the crowd that researchers in the field have reached an agreement in the past, publishing a consensus paper as far back as 2002 that outlined a battery of tests for cognitive decline. Perhaps it needs updating to 2011 standards, but nonetheless, “it is possible to get consensus,” he proclaimed. Whether it is a true call to action, only time will tell.

Image: U.S. Brookhaven National Laboratory, Wikimedia Commons