Introduction:

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system that frequently leads to cognitive decline, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life and functionality. Understanding how demographic variables interact with cognitive performance is essential to guide clinical evaluation and therapeutic strategies.

Objective:

To determine the relationship between demographic factors and cognitive impairment in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital, Guayaquil-Ecuador, 2017-2022.

Methods:

A correlational, non-experimental, descriptive study that included 145 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Demographic factors (age, sex, level of education) and cognitive impairment were evaluated using the BICAMS (Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis) battery. Pearson's Chi² tests was used to establish statistical relationships.

Results:

The mean age was 40.75±13.46 years, with a slight female predominance (52%). Cognitive impairment occurred in 6.2-10.3% depending on the domain evaluated. A statistically significant association was found between age and cognitive impairment measured by BVMTR (p=0.007). The level of schooling showed a significant association with BVMTR (p<0.001) and CVLT-II (p=0.033). No significant association between sex and cognitive impairment was observed in any test (p>0.05).

Conclusions:

Demographic factors age and level of education are significant predictors of cognitive impairment in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, while sex showed no association. These findings suggest the importance of considering cognitive reserve in neuropsychological assessment.