TABLE 1.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of the MS and HC sample
| MS (n = 79) | HC (n = 38) | |
|---|---|---|
| Age (mean yrs ± SD) | 47.9 ± 9.6 | 48.0 ± 12.0 |
| Education level (mean yrs ± SD) | 13.9 ± 2.7 | 15.0 ± 2.0 |
| Gender (% female) | 72.2% (n = 57) | 60.5% (n = 23) |
| Disease duration (mean yrs ± SD) | 15.1 ± 7.9 | |
| EDSS (median, IQR) | 3, [2–4] | |
| Benzodiazepine use (%) | 24% (n = 19) | |
| Type of MS (%) | ||
| CIS | 1.3% (n = 1) | |
| RRMS | 87.3% (n = 69) | |
| PPMS | 8.9% (n = 7) | |
| SPMS | 2.5% (n = 2) |
Abbreviations: CIS, clinically isolated syndrome; EDSS, Expanded Disability Status Scale; HC, healthy controls; MS, multiple sclerosis; PPMS, primary progressive MS; RRMS, relapsing–remitting MS; SPMS, secondary progressive MS; yrs, years.