What have we learned about cognition in myasthenia gravis?: a review of methods and results

Most individuals with myasthenia gravis (MG) complain of cognitive impairme nt, but empirical studies of cognition in MG have produced mixed results. I n the present review, we critically examined the methodology and results of previous studies that investigated cognition in MG. Results from our revie w revealed that none of the studies met at least 50% of criteria under revi ew. The most common shortcomings of previous studies included small sample size, no exclusion for visual difficulties in patients, inadequate assessme nt of mood, and poor control for prednisone use. Despite these methodologic al difficulties, mild impairments on measures of learning have been identif ied. These findings need to be replicated with adequate control of potentia l confounds before any conclusions can be made regarding cognition in this disease. Suggestions for design of future studies are provided. (C) 2001 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.