Cognitive dysfunction and atrophic changes of selected cerebral structures in patients with relapsing-remitting...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease impacting cognitive function.
• Early detection of cognitive impairment is crucial for managing MS.
• Brain structural changes, particularly atrophy, are associated with MS progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare neuropsychological test results with volumetric brain measurements in newly diagnosed MS patients.
• To investigate the relationship between brain atrophy and cognitive deficits at disease onset.
• To establish baseline correlations for future longitudinal studies.

Main Methods:

• 76 newly diagnosed MS patients underwent neuropsychological testing (MSFC, EDSS, cognitive batteries) and brain MRI.
• Volumetric MRI assessed cortex and subcortical structures.
• Assessments were performed at baseline before treatment and after 12 months.

Main Results:

• Positive correlations found between grey matter/cortical volume and cognitive tests (PASAT3", SRT, BVMT-RD, BVMT-R).
• Brain atrophy correlated with specific cognitive impairments, indicating structural-cognitive links.
• No significant correlation between cognitive dysfunction severity and MS duration at baseline.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive domains should be evaluated early in MS patients from disease onset.
• Long-term follow-up of cognitive changes is essential.
• Assessing frequently impaired cognitive domains can serve as a screening tool for MS-related cognitive dysfunction.