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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Trait Conscientiousness predicts rate of brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis
Tom A Fuchs1, Ralph Hb Benedict2, Gregory Wilding3
1Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA/ Jacobs Multiple Sclerosis Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA.
Background:
Conscientiousness is a core personality trait with favorable prognosis in neuropsychiatric disease.
Objective:
We aimed to determine whether baseline Conscientiousness predicts future brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS) after accounting for demographic and basic clinical characteristics.
Methods:
Trait Conscientiousness, clinical features, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were obtained at baseline. Lateral ventricle volume (LVV) was measured longitudinally. In a retrospective general linear mixed effects model, data from 424 patients were analyzed (mean 6 time-points, up to 15 years).
Results/Conclusion:
We observed significant age and Conscientiousness by time-from-baseline interactions indicating that younger age and higher Conscientiousness are associated with reduced progression of brain atrophy.
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