Motor, Cognitive, and Behavioral Performance in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Age-related changes in motor function from young to old age in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been well-documented. However, little is known about motor, cognitive, and behavioral differences between middle-aged and older adults with MS, and global relationships among motor, cognitive, and behavioral factors in persons with MS. In this study, we recruited ambulatory middle-aged and older adults with MS to complete walking, dual-task, cognitive, and survey measures. We found no differences in performance between groups in our sample of mildly disabled individuals with MS, suggesting that individuals with mild disease may have reduced age-related declines in motor function.