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Multiple Sclerosis: Changes in Thalamic Resting-State Functional Connectivity Induced by a Home-based Cognitive
Laura De Giglio1, Francesca Tona1, Francesca De Luca1
1From the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00186 Rome, Italy (L.D.G., F.T., F.D.L., N.P., L.P., C.P., P.P.); MS Center, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (L.D.G., L.P., V.B., C.P.); and IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy (P.P.).
Video game cognitive rehabilitation improved cognitive function in multiple sclerosis patients by altering thalamic functional connectivity (FC). These brain network changes correlate with cognitive gains, highlighting the thalamus
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurorehabilitation
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system, often leading to cognitive impairment.
- Thalamic damage and altered thalamocortical functional connectivity (FC) are implicated in MS-related cognitive dysfunction.
- Cognitive rehabilitation strategies are being explored to improve cognitive function in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a video game-based cognitive rehabilitation program on thalamic connectivity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To determine if changes in thalamic functional connectivity correlate with improvements in cognitive performance.
- To explore the role of the thalamus in regulating brain networks essential for cognition.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 24 patients with MS and cognitive impairment, randomized into intervention and wait-list groups.
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess thalamic functional connectivity at baseline and after an 8-week intervention period.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using standardized tests, including the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test and the Stroop Test.
Main Results:
- Patients with MS exhibited lower baseline functional connectivity (FC) compared to healthy controls.
- The intervention group showed significant improvements in the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test and Stroop Test scores after 8 weeks.
- The intervention group demonstrated increased FC in the cingulum, precuneus, and parietal cortex, and decreased FC in the cerebellum and left prefrontal cortex compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Video game-based cognitive rehabilitation can lead to significant cognitive improvements in MS patients.
- Changes in thalamic resting-state network connectivity are associated with cognitive enhancement in MS.
- The thalamus plays a crucial role in regulating brain networks involved in cognitive functions affected by MS.
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