Cognition - Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterised by inflammatory demyelinating lesions in both grey and white matter, leading to secondary neurodegeneration. 30–70% of people with MS experience cognitive impairment, which can significantly impact daily functioning and well-being. The most commonly affected domains are processing speed and memory issues, followed by attention, executive functioning, verbal fluency, and visuospatial abilities. Cognitive symptoms vary widely in severity and progression, but their early occurrence is associated with worse disease outcomes. Early detection and continuous monitoring are therefore essential to ensure timely intervention and prevent long‑term cognitive disability.

Predicting cognitives trajectories remains, however, a clinical challenge. Standard cognitive screening relies on in‑clinic neuropsychological testing, which is costly, infrequent, and captures cognition only in artificial settings. Available digital assessments requiring active participation also face adherence challenges, underscoring the need for tools that better fit patients’ daily lives.

Our research focuses on developing sensitive, real‑world methods to screen and monitor cognitive decline. Specifically, we are investigating digital markers such as naturalistic smartphone interaction patterns (e.g., app usage, typing dynamics) and acoustic features of speech (e.g., pause duration, loudness). These digital traces may serve as proxies for cognitive health, enabling high‑frequency monitoring in everyday environments. Combined with clinical markers such as MRI metrics, they may offer a more comprehensive picture of how cognitive symptoms manifest in MS, supporting more tailored interventions.