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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
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Thalamic and hippocampal volume associated with memory functions in multiple sclerosis.
Alexandra Tremblay1, Céline Jobin2, Mélanie Demers1
1Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montreal H3C 3P8, Canada.
Brain and Cognition
|June 12, 2018
Summary
Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be linked to reduced thalamic volume, impacting verbal memory. Hippocampal volume reduction did not directly correlate with memory deficits in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly recognized to involve grey matter structures beyond white matter.
- Cognitive deficits, particularly memory impairment, are common in MS and linked to neocortical, thalamic, and hippocampal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hippocampal and thalamic volumes and memory deficits in MS patients.
- To determine if reduced thalamic or hippocampal volumes correlate with specific memory functions in MS.
Main Methods:
- Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure thalamic and hippocampal volumes in 41 MS patients.
- Patients were categorized into cognitively impaired and intact groups based on neuropsychological testing.
Main Results:
- Left thalamic volume predicted verbal memory performance.
- Right hippocampal volume was associated with learning.
- Cognitively impaired MS patients showed a trend towards reduced left thalamic volume.
Conclusions:
- Thalamic involvement is significant in MS-related cognitive impairment, particularly verbal memory deficits.
- No direct relationship was found between hippocampal atrophy and verbal memory in this MS cohort.
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