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Updated: Oct 10, 2025
Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
Connection between microstructural alterations detected by diffusion MRI and cognitive dysfunction in MS: A
Péter Faragó1, Eszter Tóth2, Nikoletta Szabó N1
1Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
Background:
Cognitive decline is a prominent symptom of MS. Clear connection between cognitive status and white matter microstructural changes has not been unequivocally observed to date.
Objective:
To characterise the relationship between white matter microstructure and cognitive performance a partial least squares (PLS) approach was used.
Methods:
53 RR MS patients' T1 and DTI images and BICAMS subtests were used in our analysis. Standard FSL pipeline was used to obtain diffusion parameters. A PLS approach was applied to reveal the diffusion parameter patterns responsible for the cognitive dysfunction.
Results:
The first latent variable (LV) was mainly associated with demyelination, while the second and third explained axonal damage. While the first two LV represented mainly Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT) and Single Digit Modality Test (SDMT), the third LV depicted diffusion alterations mainly the verbal subtest. The first LVs spatial map showed demyelination in the corpus callosum. The second LVs spatial map showed the diffusion alterations in the thalamus. The third LV depicted diffusion alterations in the putative left superior longitudinal fascicle.
Conclusion:
Visual memory demanding tasks versus language functions depend on distinct patterns of diffusion parameters and the spatial organisation. Axial diffusivity alterations, a putative marker of irreversible axonal loss explained around 20% of variability in the cognitive functions.
Insights
Cognitive decline in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is linked to white matter changes. This study used partial least squares to connect diffusion parameters to cognitive performance, revealing distinct patterns for visual memory and language functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a significant symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- The precise relationship between cognitive status and white matter microstructural changes in MS remains unclear.
- Understanding these links is crucial for managing MS-related cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the relationship between white matter microstructure and cognitive performance in MS patients.
- To identify specific diffusion parameter patterns associated with cognitive dysfunction using a partial least squares (PLS) approach.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of T1 and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) data from 53 Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) patients.
- Utilized the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT) and Single Digit Modality Test (SDMT) for cognitive assessment.
- Applied a PLS approach to correlate diffusion parameters with cognitive test results.
Main Results:
- The study identified distinct patterns of white matter alterations related to different cognitive functions.
- Demyelination was associated with the first latent variable, while axonal damage was linked to the second and third.
- Specific brain regions like the corpus callosum, thalamus, and superior longitudinal fascicle showed diffusion alterations correlating with cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Visual memory and language functions rely on distinct white matter diffusion parameter patterns and spatial organization.
- Axial diffusivity alterations, indicative of axonal loss, explained approximately 20% of the variability in cognitive functions.
- These findings highlight the complex relationship between white matter integrity and cognitive impairment in MS.
