Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) both are demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. The main distinguishing feature is the high specific antibody NMO-IgG, which was discovered in 2004. Neuropsychological research displays that both cognitive impairment in different areas and depressive mood was shown by NMO and MS patients. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate differences concerning cognitive functions and depression between NMO and MS

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... s as well as healthy controls. Results show that NMO and MS patients performed lower in information processing speed. Furthermore, attention was significantly impaired in NMO patients. Apart from that, MS patients showed deficits in verbal memory and phonemic word generation. Additionally, this group of patients described their mood significantly as more depressed than NMO patients and controls. While interpreting these outcomes, some influencing factors such as motor function or sight deficits must be taken into account. Nevertheless, the results can be taken as a hint towards a differential progression of the two diseases. That is why adapted psychological interventions should be seen as an essential part of therapy.