Independent associations of fatigue with cognitive function and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe aim of the study is to investigate the association between fatigue, cognitive impairment, and overall QoL in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).MethodsFifty-one patients with MS with a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), according to established diagnostic criteria were enrolled. Data were collected at a single time point to examine associations between fatigue, cognitive functioning, neurological disability, and health-related quality of life (QoL). All participants were submitted to a standardized neurological examination, Fatigue symptoms were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC). Cognitive profiles were evaluated with the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N), overall Quality of Life with the Multiple Sclerosis Quality Ff Life (MSQOL-54) and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to evaluate the disability status.ResultsOur findings indicate a significative correlation between general FATIGUE and multiple QoL outcomes. Specifically, fatigue was strongly correlated with Health Perception (ρ = 0.63, p < 0.001), Overall Quality of Life (ρ = 0.65, p < 0.001), Role Physical Limitation (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.002), and Role Emotional Limitation (ρ = 0.37, p = 0.007), and is also related to specific aspects of cognitive functioning as well as Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (r = −0.38, p = 0.006) and Selective Reminding Test – Delayed (r = −0.36, p = 0.01).DiscussionThese results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of disease burden in MS, highlighting fatigue as a key factor that interacts with multiple dimensions of patient functioning.Clinical trial registrationIdentifier (NCT 05783999).