Relationships between intraindividual cognitive variability, self-reported cognitive dysfunction, and functional difficulties in persons with multiple sclerosis: a preliminary investigation

The number of self-reported functional memory problems was associated with worse ratings of perceived cognition (i.e. PDQ). Increased dispersion on different metrics, but not mean performance, was associated with fewer reported functional memory problems and self-reported cognitive dysfunction, when controlling for premorbid functioning or symptoms. Both IIV metrics and mean performance were related to greater difficulty completing timed everyday activities. Results suggest a disconnect between pwMS's perceptions of their functional difficulties with an objective measurement of their abilities. Further evaluation into IIV is needed to help guide earlier identification and intervention of cognitive problems in pwMS.