The current review examines the usefulness of pharmacologic treatments on improving cognitive function in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of pharmacologic intervention to improve cognitive function in persons with MS.

Higher-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the cognitive efficacy of pharmacologic treatments for MS-related cognitive dysfunction, with cognition as the primary endpoint. Researchers are urged to use standardized criteria (such as the American Academy of Neurology criteria) to guide their research designs.

Clinicians should consider effect sizes of studies before deciding whether to prescribe certain medications to ameliorate cognitive symptoms.