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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- When multiple sclerosis strikes in childhood or during teenage years, victims tend to have cognitive and language difficulties.
Maria Pia Amato of the University of Florence in Italy conducted a study of children with MS. Thirty percent of them had language difficulties, which is not a common problem in adults with MS. In addition, 31 percent of the youngsters met the criteria for cognitive impairment.
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The study did not take into account the possible effects of MS medications but Dr. Amato believes the dramatic effect on thinking and intelligence occurred because the disease struck while the brain was still developing.
Since the disease occurs during a critical phase for language development, children may be particularly vulnerable to language problems, Dr. Amato said. She also pointed out information about the effect of MS on the cognitive skills of children and teens has been limited. We need to understand how the disease affects kids so we can help them manage their difficulties with academic challenges.
Most symptoms of MS start between the ages of 20 and 40. But about five percent of the time, the disease begins in children or teens.
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SOURCE: Neurology, published online May 13, 2008
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