B-16 Evaluating the Effects of Obesity on Cognitive Functioning in a Sample of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 961-961
Author(s):  
C Newman ◽  
A McDermott
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Morbidly Obese ◽  
Visual Processing Speed ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract Objective Fergenbaum et al., 2009 found that obesity was linked to increased cognitive issues in otherwise healthy individuals, while another study found obesity to be neuroprotective in a sample of dementia patients (Fitzpatrick et al., 2009). The present study explores whether obesity is associated with worse cognitive dysfunction in those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Method This study examined archival neuropsychological test data of 40 patients diagnosed with MS. Participants were separated into two groups based on their BMI: healthy/overweight individuals and obese/morbidly obese. ANOVA was performed to compare performances between groups on tasks measuring learning and memory, processing speed, and executive functioning; areas commonly affected in MS. Results Significant differences between groups were noted on only portions of two different tests; unstructured verbal learning (p = .003) and mental sequencing (p = .048), but no differences were found in other tasks. Particularly, performance was statistically equal between groups on measures of response inhibition (p = .887), visual processing speed (p = .182), visuospatial learning (p = .118), visuospatial free recall (p = .205), simple auditory attention (p = .630), working memory (p = .223), psychomotor speed (p = .969), and complex divided attention (p = .202). Conclusion Obese patients with MS scored significantly better on the majority of tasks that we reviewed. These results seem to contradict a study that examined healthy subjects but seems to replicate findings in at least one clinical population; those with dementia. It is possible that increased BMI in clinical populations may indicate better overall health leading to better cognition, though if it is actually neuroprotective and only limited to MS and dementia is uncertain. Future research endeavors are discussed.

scholarly journals Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Based on Age, Gender, and Education Level

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Hassanshahi ◽  
Zahra Asadollahi ◽  
Hossein Azin ◽  
Jalal Hassanshahi ◽  
Amin Hassanshahi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Spatial Perception ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Gender And Education ◽  
Visual Processing Speed ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is defined as an inflammatory, progressive, and autoimmune disease in the central nervous system, recognized by its subsequent demyelination and neurodegeneration. Cognitive disorders are among the most severe problems in patients with MS, affecting their personal and professional life. This study is aimed to evaluate memory and visual learning, visual processing speed, and spatial perception in MS patients based on age, gender, and level of education. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 42 MS patients (based on McDonald’s criteria). The level of disability in patients was assessed using EDSS, and cognitive performance was evaluated by the use of judgment of line orientation (JLO), symbol digit modalities test (SDMT), and revised brief visuospatial memory test (BVMT-R). In this study, patients were within the age range of 20-51 years, 73.8% of which were female, and 61.9% had academic degrees. According to the classes of independent variables (gender, education level), no significant difference was observed in the mean scores of dependent variables (JLO, SDMT, and BVMR-T scores) (P>0.05). In addition, age as a confounding variable had no impact (P>0.05). In addition, gender and level of education had no significant interaction (P>0.05). According to the results of the study, age, gender, and education level had no significant effect on memory and visual learning, visual processing speed, and spatial perception.

Visual attention in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder before and after stimulant treatment

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (15) ◽  
pp. 2617-2625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Low ◽  
Signe Vangkilde ◽  
Julijana le Sommer ◽  
Birgitte Fagerlund ◽  
Birte Glenthøj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Visual Attention ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Stimulant Medication ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Visual Processing Speed ◽  
Adhd Symptomatology

AbstractBackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which frequently persists into adulthood. The primary goal of the current study was to (a) investigate attentional functions of stimulant medication-naïve adults with ADHD, and (b) investigate the effects of 6 weeks of methylphenidate treatment on these functions.MethodsThe study was a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded, 6-week follow-up design with 42 stimulant medication-naïve adult patients with ADHD, and 42 age and parental education-matched healthy controls. Assessments included measures of visual attention, based on Bundesen's Theory of Visual Attention (TVA), which yields five precise measures of aspects of visual attention; general psychopathology; ADHD symptoms; dyslexia screening; and estimates of IQ.ResultsAt baseline, significant differences were found between patients and controls on three attentional parameters: visual short-term memory capacity, threshold of conscious perception, and to a lesser extent visual processing speed. Secondary analyses revealed no significant correlations between TVA parameter estimates and severity of ADHD symptomatology. At follow-up, significant improvements were found specifically for visual processing speed; this improvement had a large effect size, and remained when controlling for re-test effects, IQ, and dyslexia screen performance. There were no significant correlations between changes in visual processing speed and changes in ADHD symptomatology.ConclusionsADHD in adults may be associated with deficits in three distinct aspects of visual attention. Improvements after 6 weeks of medication are seen specifically in visual processing speed, which could represent an improvement in alertness. Clinical symptoms and visual attentional deficits may represent separate aspects of ADHD in adults.

scholarly journals Short Report: Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment in Newly Diagnosed Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 153-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia DiGiuseppe ◽  
Mervin Blair ◽  
Sarah A. Morrow
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Clinical Event ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Mood Symptoms ◽  
Relapsing Remitting

Abstract Background: Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and can manifest early in the disease process, sometimes as early as the first demyelinating event. However, the frequency of cognitive impairment in a newly diagnosed MS population has not been evaluated comprehensively in a clinical population. We sought to examine the prevalence of cognitive impairment in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) within a year of diagnosis in a clinic where cognitive testing at diagnosis is part of routine practice. Methods: A retrospective medical record review of persons with RRMS assessed in a cognitive MS clinic identified 107 patients assessed by the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis battery within 1 year of a confirmed RRMS diagnosis. Results: The cohort was predominantly female (n = 82 [76.6%]) and white (n = 93 [86.9%]). Only 36 patients (33.6%) were diagnosed as having RRMS based on a second clinical event. Processing speed was the most frequently impaired domain (n = 38 [35.5%]). Only 37 patients (34.6%) were within normal limits on all cognitive domains. Regarding mood symptoms, 25 patients (23.4%) were positive for depressive symptoms; 59 (55.1%), for anxiety. Severe fatigue was correlated with a lower score on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (r = −0.380, P < .001), and higher depressive scores were correlated with lower performance on the SDMT (r = −0.397, P < .001) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (r = −0.254, P = .009). Conclusions: Cognitive impairment, specifically processing speed, and mood symptoms are frequently present in persons with newly diagnosed RRMS.

Machine Learning EEG to Predict Cognitive Functioning and Processing Speed Over a 2-Year Period in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Controls

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanni Kiiski ◽  
Lee Jollans ◽  
Seán Ó. Donnchadha ◽  
Hugh Nolan ◽  
Róisín Lonergan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Executive functioning affects verbal learning process in multiple sclerosis patients: Behavioural and imaging results

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-398
Author(s):  
Marco Pitteri ◽  
Caterina Dapor ◽  
Anna Isabella Pisani ◽  
Marco Castellaro ◽  
John DeLuca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Phasic alertness cues modulate visual processing speed in healthy aging

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 ◽  
pp. 30-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marleen Haupt ◽  
Christian Sorg ◽  
Natan Napiórkowski ◽  
Kathrin Finke
Keyword(s):  
Processing Speed ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Phasic Alertness ◽  
Visual Processing Speed

T1 cortical hypointensities and their association with cognitive disability in multiple sclerosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1203-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Bagnato ◽  
Zeena Salman ◽  
Robert Kane ◽  
Sungyoung Auh ◽  
Fredric K Cantor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Cognitive Disability ◽  
3.0 Tesla ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
The Impact

Background: Neocortical lesions (NLs) largely contribute to the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS), although their relevance in patients’ disability remains unknown. Objective: To assess the incidence of T1 hypointense NLs by 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with MS and examine neocortical lesion association with cognitive impairment. Methods: In this case-control study, 21 MS patients and 21 age-, sex- and years of education-matched healthy volunteers underwent: (i) a neuropsychological examination rating cognitive impairment (Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS); (ii) a 3.0-Tesla MRI inclusive of an isotropic 1.0 mm3 three-dimensional inversion prepared spoiled gradient-recalled-echo (3D-IRSPGR) image and T1- and T2-weighted images. Hypointensities on 3D-IRSPGR lying in the cortex, either entirely or partially were counted and association between NLs and cognitive impairment investigated. Results: A total of 95 NLs were observed in 14 (66.7%) patients. NL+ patients performed poorer (p = 0.020) than NLpatients only on the delayed recall component of the California Verbal Learning Test. This difference lost statistical significance when a correction for white matter lesion volume was employed. Conclusions: Although T 1 hypointense NLs may be present in a relatively high proportion of multiple sclerosis patients, the impact that they have in cognitive impairment is not independent from white matter disease.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document