EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND THE USE OF SEMANTIC STRATEGIES IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the use of semantic strategies in a task of word learning in a group of patients with Multiple Sclerosis, and we also evaluate the possible influence of the executive function on this task. We work with a clinical group (n=36) and a control group (n=36) equalized by age and educational level. We provided to the subjects 5 trials of learning and the amount of new semantic strategies in each one of the trials was calculated. In addition, different indices for executive function were obtained. First, the results indicate a significant effect for the number of trial, the pathology and the interaction between both variables. However, when the indexes of executive function are controlled, a significant effect appears just for the number of trials factor. The results indicate that the executive function can play an important role in the use of strategies for encoding information in this group of patients.