Introduction : This exploratory study seeks to deepen our understanding of the occurrence of false memories in the DRM paradigm in multiple sclerosis. There are several conflicting studies on this topic. Evrard, Jagot and Boutoleau-Bretonnière (2016) postulate that there is a greater occurrence of false memories in MS patients than in healthy patients, which is related to a deficit of inhibition and source memory. Pitteri et al (2019) found a lower occurrence of false memories in MS patients, with impaired semantic memory. We therefore focus this study on the continuity of the work of Evrard et al. (2016), postulating that a higher rate of false memory would be found in MS patients, and this is linked to various differences in performance in neuropsychological tests in the two groups (MS and control).
Method : We choose to run the experiment with 9 MS subjects and 17 control subjects. To do this, we used the BRB-N battery developed by Rao in 1990 (battery assessing cognitive functions in MS), slightly modifying the neuropsychological tests and including the DRM paradigm in order to assess the appearance of false memories and the overall cognitive functions of the MS subjects.
Results : The results that we find through statistical analyses show elements that are contradictory to previous studies on the subject. Indeed, we find no difference in the development of false memories between MS subjects and control participants. However, we do find differences in performance in tests evaluating information processing speed, working memory and attention, to the disadvantage of MS subjects.
Discussion : At the present time and in view of our results, we cannot support the various previous studies on the subject. There are some elements that may explain these results. First of all, the heterogeneous tendency of the disease and the cognitive functions affected differently depending on the individuals affected. But also the concept of recruitment of additional brain areas which could be implemented in these patients. In addition, the current health crisis (COVID-19) which may have had a major impact on the implementation and results of this study. However, several perspectives are possible for future studies, such as experimental runs with a more homogeneous population, or in more ecological conditions, or even the addition of a source memory task to better complete our research and clarify previous studies.
Key words : false memories, multiple sclerosis, neurological disease, cognitive functions, DRM paradigm, memory, exploratory study.
Fiona Lami