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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
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Brain microstructure is linked to cognitive fatigue in early multiple sclerosis.
Camille Guillemin1,2, Nora Vandeleene1, Maëlle Charonitis1,2
1GIGA-CRC In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Journal of Neurology
|March 28, 2024
Summary
Brain microstructure changes are present early in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and linked to cognitive fatigue. These alterations in normal-appearing brain tissues may explain fatigue experienced by people with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Multiple Sclerosis Research
Background:
- Cognitive fatigue is a primary symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), impacting patients early in the disease.
- Understanding early brain changes associated with cognitive fatigue is crucial for managing MS progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate early alterations in brain microstructure in people with MS (pwMS) compared to healthy controls (HC).
- To determine the association between these microstructural changes and cognitive fatigue in pwMS.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative multiparameter mapping (MTsat, PD, R1, R2*) was performed on recently diagnosed pwMS and matched HC.
- Microstructural parameters were analyzed in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), cortical grey matter (NACGM), and deep grey matter (NADGM).
- Statistical analyses included Bayesian T-tests and Generalized Linear Mixed Models to compare groups and assess associations.
Main Results:
- pwMS showed reduced MTsat and R1 in NAWM and NACGM, and increased R1 in NADGM compared to HC.
- Cognitive fatigue correlated with PD across all tissues and MTsat in NAWM.
- Disease-specific correlations indicated that altered microstructure in NAWM and NACGM is linked to fatigue in pwMS.
Conclusions:
- Brain microstructure is altered in normal-appearing tissues even in the early stages of MS.
- Widespread microstructural changes, potentially demyelination or axonal degeneration, may underlie cognitive fatigue in pwMS.
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