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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Memory impairment in multiple sclerosis: correlation with deep grey matter and mesial temporal atrophy
R H B Benedict1, D Ramasamy, F Munschauer
1Jacobs Neurological Institute, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, and Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo, New York 14203, USA.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|October 3, 2008
Summary
Deep grey matter (DGM) and mesial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy impact memory in multiple sclerosis (MS) differently. DGM affects new learning, while MTL impacts recognition memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology affects both cerebral cortex and deep grey matter (DGM).
- Thalamic atrophy is linked to neuropsychological outcomes in MS, but mesial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy is less understood.
- Advanced MRI allows volumetric analysis of MTL and DGM structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the predictive power of MTL and DGM atrophy on memory performance in MS patients.
- To assess auditory/verbal and visual/spatial memory functions.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 50 MS patients.
- Structural brain MRI with Freesurfer software for volumetric analysis of MTL (hippocampus, amygdala) and DGM (thalamus, caudate).
- Neuropsychological testing for new learning, delayed recall, and recognition memory.
Main Results:
- Lower regional brain volumes correlated with poorer memory test performance across all modalities.
- DGM volumes were the strongest predictors of new learning and free recall.
- MTL volumes uniquely predicted recognition memory performance.
Conclusions:
- This study simultaneously evaluated MTL and DGM atrophy in MS using validated neuropsychological measures.
- Both MTL and DGM atrophy play distinct roles in MS-related memory deficits.
- Findings highlight the differential contribution of brain regions to amnesia in MS.
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