Cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis with focus on brainstem volume

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• The brainstem plays a crucial role in the cerebro-cerebellar network essential for cognition.
• The association between brainstem volume and cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between brainstem volumes and cognitive impairment in MS.
• To assess cognitive performance using the Brief International Assessment of Cognition for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) battery.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of MRI data from 143 MS patients in the VOLUMS study.
• Volumetric brain imaging and brainstem lesion counts were performed.
• Cognitive function was assessed using BICAMS, with correlations and logistic regression exploring associations.

Main Results:

• Cognitive impairment was observed in 30.1% of participants.
• No significant correlation was found between brainstem volume and cognitive scores.
• Lower volumes in the hippocampus, thalamus, cortex, and gray matter were associated with cognitive impairment. Processing speed and verbal memory correlated with cortical and gray matter volumes.

Conclusions:

• Brainstem volume is not directly associated with cognitive impairment in MS.
• Cognitive impairment in MS is linked to reductions in other brain structures, including the hippocampus, thalamus, and cortex.
• Disease duration is a significant predictor of cognitive impairment in MS.