Improving Access to Cognitive Screening in Multiple Sclerosis Care: Elizabeth S. Gromisch, PhD, MSCS

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"Just doing those brief [cognitive] screenings can make a world of difference, because it can open up the door for people to get further assessments, getting treatments that can help them regain quality of life and be able to function better at work and at home."

Cognitive impairment is a common yet often underrecognized manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), with effects on processing speed, memory, executive function, and visuospatial skills that can significantly impact daily function and quality of life. Despite its prevalence and clinical relevance, routine cognitive screening is inconsistently implemented in MS care, owing to time constraints, limited access to specialized testing, and uncertainty about optimal tools and workflows.¹ Emerging digital platforms and brief, standardized measures offer new opportunities to integrate cognitive assessment into busy neurology practices.

Recently, Elizabeth S. Gromisch, PhD, MSCS, presented a talk titled “Cognitive Screenings for Multiple Sclerosis: What Should Clinicians Know and How Can We Improve Access to Care?” at the 2026 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, held May 27-29, Charlotte, North Carolina.² Her presentation focused on the hallmark cognitive changes seen in MS, the role of tools such as the Symbol Digit Modalities Test and digital processing speed measures, and the practical barriers clinicians face in adopting routine screening. She also discussed ongoing efforts to develop brief, technician-independent digital screeners capable of assessing multiple cognitive domains in a time-efficient manner.

In an interview with NeurologyLive^®during the meeting, Gromisch, a research neuropsychologist at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, expanded on the key points from her presentation. She described how cognitive impairment typically presents in MS, which screening tools are most practical in everyday practice, and where the greatest gaps remain in implementation. She addressed real-world challenges, such as lack of neuropsychology support, qualification requirements for certain instruments, and the need for clear post-screening pathways. In addition, she highlighted the importance of involving patients as partners in the design and refinement of cognitive screening tools.

Click here for more coverage of CMSC 2026.

REFERENCES
1. Kalb R, Beier M, Benedict RH, et al. Recommendations for cognitive screening and management in multiple sclerosis care. Mult Scler. 2018;24(13):1665-1680. doi:10.1177/1352458518803785
2. Gromisch ES. Implementing Screenings in the Clinic: Validated Tools and Best Clinical Practices. Presented at: 2026 CMSC Annual Meeting; May 27-29; Charlotte, North Carolina. Cognitive Screenings for Multiple Sclerosis: What Should Clinicians Know and How Can We Improve Access to Care?.