Memory performance in multiple sclerosis patients correlates with central brain atrophy.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by neurological deficits.
• Brain atrophy and cognitive dysfunction are common in MS, impacting quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whole brain and central brain atrophy in RRMS patients.
• To determine the relationship between brain atrophy, memory, cognitive performance, fatigue, depression, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• 45 RRMS patients underwent T1-weighted MRI for automated brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) and ventricular brain fraction (VF) calculation.
• Neuropsychological tests and self-rating scales assessed memory, cognition, depression, fatigue, and quality of life.
• Age-corrected partial correlations analyzed relationships between atrophy measures and clinical/cognitive outcomes.

Main Results:

• BPF moderately correlated with disease duration, EDSS, upper extremity motor function, and mental quality of life.
• VF moderately correlated with EDSS, motor function (upper/lower extremities), and memory.
• Neither BPF nor VF correlated with fatigue or depression; cognitive tests correlated with fatigue and depression.

Conclusions:

• Ventricular enlargement in RRMS is associated with memory deficits, suggesting limbic system vulnerability.
• Cognitive performance is linked to depression and fatigue, independent of measurable brain atrophy.
• These findings highlight the complex interplay between structural changes, cognitive function, and emotional state in MS.