Cognitive trajectories in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal 6-year study.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Longitudinal data on cognitive trajectories in multiple sclerosis (MS) is limited.
• Factors predicting cognitive decline and the long-term clinical impact of cognitive impairment (CI) in MS remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cognitive trajectories in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients.
• To identify clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predictors of cognitive decline in RRMS.

Main Methods:

• 42 RRMS patients and 30 controls underwent MRI and neuropsychological evaluations at baseline and over 6 years.
• Principal component analysis evaluated cognitive domains; multivariable regression identified predictors of deterioration.
• Repeated measures analysis assessed clinical progression based on baseline CI.

Main Results:

• 62.2% of patients showed cognitive deterioration after 6 years, primarily in processing speed and memory.
• Baseline cognitive impairment strongly predicted 6-year cognitive (R² = 0.452) and EDSS (R² = 0.263) deterioration.
• Patients with baseline CI experienced worse clinical progression.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive impairment in MS tends to become more widespread, affecting memory and processing speed.
• The extent of baseline cognitive impairment is the most significant predictor of long-term clinical and cognitive deterioration.