Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Structural MRI correlates of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis
Artemios Artemiadis1, Maria Anagnostouli2, Ioannis Zalonis2
11st Department of Neurology, Aeginition Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias Ave. 72-74, GR-11528 Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology, Army Share Fund Hospital (NIMTS), Monis Petraki 10-12, GR-11521 Athens, Greece.
Background:
Cognitive impairment (CI) has been associated with numerous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indices in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In this study we investigated the association of a large set of 2D and 3D MRI markers with cognitive function in MS.
Methods:
A sample of 61 RRMS patients (mean age 41.8 ± 10.6 years old, 44 women, mean disease duration 137.9 ± 83.9 months) along with 51 age and gender matched healthy controls was used in this cross-sectional study. Neuropsychological and other tests, along with a large set of 2D/3D MRI evaluations were made.
Results:
44.3% of patients had CI. CI patients had more disability, physical fatigue than non-CI patients and more psychological distress than non-CI patients and HCs. Also, CI patients had significantly larger third ventricle width and volume, smaller coprus callosum index and larger lesion volume than non-CI patients. These MRI markers also significantly predicted cognitive scores after adjusting for age and education, explaining about 30.6% of the variance of the total cognitive score.
Conclusions:
Selected linear and volumetric MRI indices predict cognitive function in MS. Future studies should expand these results by exploring longitudinal changes and producing normative data.
Related Concept Videos
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Structural Protein Function
Correlations
Cognitive Dissonance
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...

