Multiple sclerosis study documents negative effect of warmer weather on cognition
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - 14:30
in Psychology & Sociology
Scientists have shown that outdoor temperature significantly impacts cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis (MS). In cross-sectional and longitudinal samples, patients performed worse on processing speed and memory tasks during warmer outdoor temperatures. Previous research documented increased disease activity during warmer months; this study is the first to show that cognition also fluctuates. This is the first study to support the subjective impression of patients with MS that warm weather negatively affects their cognition.