Advancing Age Modulates Associations Between Cognitive Impairment and Brain Volumes in Early MS

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroimaging
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is a frequent complication of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet its early manifestations after the initial demyelinating event remain understudied.
• This research focuses on understanding cognitive changes in the early stages of MS, specifically five years post-first clinical demyelinating event.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived brain volumes and cognitive impairment outcomes.
• To determine if brain volume changes five years after the first demyelinating event predict cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Cognitive function was assessed using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) five years after the initial demyelinating event.
• Gray matter volume (GMV) was quantified using 3D T1-weighted MRI sequences.
• Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the association between 5-year MRI measures and cognitive impairment, controlling for total intracranial volume.

Main Results:

• A decrease in GMV at the 5-year mark was significantly associated with cognitive impairment outcomes (OR=1.06 per 1 cm³ decrease, p=0.044).
• Among participants with cognitive impairment, lower GMV was linked to older age (p=0.0095).
• Exploratory analyses suggested a potential association between cognitive impairment and GMV in individuals over 39 years old (p=0.0476).

Conclusions:

• MRI-derived GMV is significantly associated with cognitive outcomes five years after the first demyelinating event in MS.
• Advancing age is also identified as a factor associated with both GMV and cognitive outcomes in early MS.