Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Why Are Attention Deficit and Fatigue Serious in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis?

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Authors
1 School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
2 Neurosciences Research Center, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents profound challenges beyond motor impairments, with cognitive deficits specifically attention dysfunction and chronic fatigue severely impacting patient quality of life. Recent psychophysical findings reveal that attentional impairments are phenotype-specific: patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) primarily exhibit exogenous (environmental) attentional deficits, whereas those with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) suffer from endogenous (voluntary) attentional impairments. This distinction suggests divergent underlying neurobiological mechanisms linked to active inflammation in RRMS and neurodegeneration in SPMS. Crucially, cognitive fatigue acts as a potent predictor of attentional performance, particularly in long-standing disease, rather than being a mere secondary symptom. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating regular cognitive screening and multi-target therapeutic protocols into standard MS management. Addressing the complex interplay between fatigue and attention is essential to mitigate functional decline and improve psychosocial outcomes in this vulnerable population

Highlights

Iman Adibi: Google Scholar

Keywords

Subjects


 1. Tabibian F, Azimzadeh K, Shaygannejad V, Ashtari F, Adibi I, Sanayei M. Patterns of attention deficit in relapsing and progressive phenotypes of multiple sclerosis. Scientific Reports. 2023; 13(1): 13045.
 
 
Volume 43, Issue 842
2nd Week , February
January and February 2026
Pages 1653-1655

  • Receive Date 19 August 2025
  • Accept Date 13 September 2025