Cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 1122-1127 ◽  
Author(s):  
James F Sumowski ◽  
Victoria M Leavitt
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Cerebral Atrophy ◽  
White Matter Lesions ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Brain Growth

Cognitive impairment is common among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), but some patients are able to withstand considerable disease burden (e.g. white matter lesions, cerebral atrophy) without cognitive impairment (cognitive inefficiency, memory decline). What protects these patients from cognitive impairment? We review the literature on cognitive reserve in MS, which shows that heritable (larger maximal lifetime brain growth) and environmental (greater intellectual enrichment) factors attenuate the negative effect of disease burden on cognitive status. That is, persons with larger maximal lifetime brain growth, greater vocabulary knowledge, and/or greater early life participation in cognitive leisure activities (e.g. reading, hobbies) are better able to cope with MS disease without cognitive impairment. We review evidence that benefits of intellectual enrichment on cognitive status may stem from more efficient patterns of brain function. We discuss clinical implications and highlight important unanswered questions for future research on reserve against cognitive impairment in MS.

scholarly journals Cognitive Issues in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 442
Author(s):  
Emilio Portaccio ◽  
Ermelinda De Meo ◽  
Angelo Bellinvia ◽  
Maria Pia Amato
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Cognitive Profiles ◽  
Brain Growth ◽  
Network Activation ◽  
Definition Of

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the leading causes of disability in young adults. The onset of MS during developmental age makes pediatric patients particularly susceptible to cognitive impairment, resulting from both disease-related damage and failure of age-expected brain growth. Despite different test batteries and definitions, cognitive impairment has been consistently reported in approximately one-third of pediatric patients with MS. However, the lack of a uniform definition of cognitive impairment and the adoption of different test batteries have led to divergent results in terms of cognitive domains more frequently affected across the cohorts explored. This heterogeneity has hampered large international collaborative studies. Moreover, research aimed at the identification of risk factors (e.g., demographic, clinical, and radiological features) or protective factors (e.g., cognitive reserve, leisure activities) for cognitive decline is still scanty. Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can be detected in these patients alongside cognitive decline or in isolation, and can negatively affect quality of life scores as well as academic performances. By using MRI, cognitive impairment was attributed to damage to specific brain compartments as well as to abnormal network activation patterns. However, multimodal MRI studies are still needed in order to assess the contribution of each MRI metric to cognitive impairment. Importantly, longitudinal studies have recently demonstrated failure of age-expected brain growth and of white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) maturation plays a relevant role in determining cognitive dysfunction, in addition to MS-related direct damage. Whether these growth retardations might result in specific cognitive profiles according to the age at disease onset has not been studied, yet. A better characterization of cognitive profiles in pediatric MS patients, as well as the definition of neuroanatomical substrates of cognitive impairment and their longitudinal evolution are needed to develop efficient therapeutic strategies against cognitive impairment in this patient population.

Influence of Cognitive Impairment on Rehabilitation Received and Its Mediating Effect on Functional Recovery

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Ilona Dutzi ◽  
Michael Schwenk ◽  
Marietta Kirchner ◽  
Eva Jooss ◽  
Jürgen M. Bauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rehabilitation Outcome ◽  
Rehabilitation Outcomes ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Observational Cohort ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
State Examination

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) has been reported to negatively impact rehabilitation outcomes. Knowledge about differences in rehabilitation received in dependence of CI as a potential mediating factor is limited. Objective: To analyze whether CI affects amount and frequency of rehabilitation received and if associations between CI and rehabilitation outcome are mediated by the provided amount of therapy. Methods: Observational cohort study in ward-based geriatric rehabilitation consecutively including 373 patients (mean age 82.0±6.69 years, mean MMSE 23.66±5.31). Outcome measures were amount, frequency, and type of multi-professional therapy sessions and rehabilitation outcome assessed with the Barthel Index (BI). Cognitive status was measured with the Mini-Mental-State Examination (MMSE) classifying three patient subgroups according to cognitive status were considered. Results: Patients with more severe CI received least total therapy hours (TTH) (MMSE <  17, 13.67±6.58 versus MMSE 17–26, 16.12±7.19 and MMSE >  26, 17.79±8.88 h, p = 0.014) and were less often included in occupational therapy (MMSE <  17, 48.9%versus MMSE 17–26, 65.5%and MMSE >  26, 71.4%, p = 0.019) and group-based physiotherapy (MMSE <  17, 73.3%versus MMSE 17–26, 88.5%and MMSE >  26, 81.2%, p = 0.027). Regression models showed that CI negatively impacted TTH (β= 0.24, p = 0.003) and rehabilitation outcome (β= 0.41, p = 0.008). In the mediation model, TTH accounted for 23.18%(p <  0.001) of the relationship between CI and rehabilitation outcome. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment negatively impacted rehabilitation received. The lower TTH partly mediated the negative association between CI and rehabilitation outcome. Future research should identify specific barriers to therapy provision and optimal length, intensity, and dosage of rehabilitation programs to optimize rehabilitation outcomes in CI.

scholarly journals The Impact of Cognitive Dysfunction on Locomotor Rehabilitation Potential in Multiple Sclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117957351988404
Author(s):  
Stijn Denissen ◽  
Alexander De Cock ◽  
Tom Meurrens ◽  
Luc Vleugels ◽  
Ann Van Remoortel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Attentional Deficits ◽  
Ambulatory Patients ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Locomotor Rehabilitation

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is a frequent manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) but its effect on locomotor rehabilitation is unknown. Objective: To study the impact of cognitive impairment on locomotor rehabilitation outcome in people with MS. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis involving ambulatory patients with MS who were admitted for intensive, inpatient, multidisciplinary rehabilitation at the National Multiple Sclerosis Center of Melsbroek between the years 2012 and 2017. The Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N) was used to determine the cognitive status of subjects as either impaired (COG–) or preserved (COG+). Locomotor outcome was compared between groups with the difference in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) measured at admission and discharge (Δ6MWT). In addition, individual test scores of the BRB-N for attention (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test 2” and 3”), visuospatial learning/memory (7/24 Spatial Recall Test), verbal learning/memory (Selective Reminding Test) and verbal fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association Test) were correlated to the Δ6MWT. Results: A total of 318 complete and unique records were identified. Both groups showed a significant within-group Δ6MWT during hospitalization (COG+: 47.51 m; COG–: 40.97 m; P < .01). In contrast, Δ6MWT values were comparable between groups. The odds of achieving a minimal clinical important difference on the 6MWT did not differ significantly between both groups. Only attention/concentration was significantly correlated with Δ6MWT (r = 0.16, P = .013). Conclusion: Cognitive impairment based on BRB-N results appears not to impede locomotor rehabilitation in ambulatory patients with MS. Attentional deficits are correlated to the extent of locomotor rehabilitation, suggesting the presence of a subtle effect of cognition.

scholarly journals Detecting Subtle Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 620-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Charest ◽  
Alexandra Tremblay ◽  
Roxane Langlois ◽  
Élaine Roger ◽  
Pierre Duquette ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Montreal Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Cognitive Complaints ◽  
Subjective Complaints ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Complaints

ABSTRACT:Background:Although cognitive deficits are frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS), screening for them with tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test is usually not performed unless there is a subjective complaint. The Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) is among the instruments most commonly used to assess self-reported subjective complaints in MS. Nonetheless, it does not always accurately reflect cognitive status; many patients with cognitive deficits thus fail to receive appropriate referral for detailed neuropsychological evaluation. The objective of this study was to examine the validity of the MoCA test to detect the presence of objective cognitive deficits among patients with MS without subjective complaints using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) as the gold standard.Methods:The sample included 98 patients who were recruited from a university hospital MS clinic. The MSNQ was used to select patients without subjective cognitive complaints who also completed the MACFIMS, MoCA test and MSQOL-54.Results:23.5% of patients without subjective cognitive complaints had evidence of objective cognitive impairment on the MACFIMS (z score < -1.5 on two or more tests). The MoCA had a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 68% for detecting objective cognitive impairment in this patient population using a cut-off score of 27.Conclusion:A significant proportion of patients without self-reported cognitive impairment do have evidence of cognitive deficits on more exhaustive cognitive assessment. The MoCA is a rapid screening test that could be used to target patients for whom a more detailed neuropsychological assessment would be recommended.

scholarly journals Telemedicine assessment of long-term cognitive and functional status in anti-leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated 1 encephalitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria Sola-Valls ◽  
Helena Ariño ◽  
Domingo Escudero ◽  
Elisabeth Solana ◽  
Albert Lladó ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Functional Activities ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Status Assessment

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of a structured telephone interview examining the long-term cognitive and functional status in anti–leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis.MethodsTelephone interviews were conducted with 37 patients after a median follow-up of 87 months from disease onset and 23 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Cognitive status was assessed with the telephone Mini-Mental State Examination (t-MMSE) and 3 tests exploring verbal memory, fluency, and executive function. Functional status was evaluated with the Functional Activities Questionnaire and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients were classified as normal, with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or with dementia based on cognitive and functional status. Assessment of the cognitive reserve was performed with a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of cognitive impairment.ResultsTelephone interviews were successful in 36/37 (97%) patients. Cognitive impairment was detected in 27 (75%) including 17 with MCI and 10 with dementia. Eight (29%) patients would have been misclassified using only the t-MMSE. Twenty-six (72%) patients were functionally independent according to the mRS, but only 9 (35%) were cognitively normal. Independent predictors for long-term cognitive impairment were a low cognitive reserve (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05–1.76; p = 0.02) and bilateral hippocampal hyperintensity at initial MRI (OR = 27.03, 95% CI: 1.87–390; p = 0.02).ConclusionsTelemedicine is a feasible tool to assess the cognitive and functional outcome in patients with anti-LGI1 encephalitis. Cognitive impairment is often missed if only functional scales are used. Premorbid cognitive reserve and MRI with bilateral hippocampal hyperintensity were predictors for long-term cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Quality of life, depression and fatigue in mildly disabled patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis receiving subcutaneous interferon beta-1a: 3-year results from the COGIMUS (COGnitive Impairment in MUltiple Sclerosis) study

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 991-1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Patti ◽  
MP Amato ◽  
M Trojano ◽  
S Bastianello ◽  
MR Tola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Treatment Dose ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Composite Scores

Background: The precise relationships among quality of life, depression, fatigue and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex and poorly understood. Objective: To assess the effects of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a on quality of life, depression and fatigue over 3 years in the COGIMUS study, and to examine the relationship between these outcomes and baseline cognitive status. Methods: COGIMUS was an observational 3-year trial assessing cognitive function in 459 patients with relapsing–remitting MS treated with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a. Results: In total, 331 patients completed the study (168 received interferon beta-1a, 44 µg subcutaneously three times weekly, and 163 received interferon beta-1a, 22 µg subcutaneously three times weekly). Mean MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) composite scores did not change over time. There were no significant differences between groups in MSQoL-54 composite scores when patients were grouped by treatment dose and baseline cognitive status. Mean (standard deviation) Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score decreased from 6.8 (4.9) at baseline to 5.8 (5.9) at year 3. Mean total Fatigue Impact Scale scores were low (<30) at all time points. Conclusion: Quality of life, depression and fatigue remained largely stable over 3 years; no effects of treatment dose or baseline cognitive status were found.

scholarly journals Screening of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Georgia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Nazibrola Botchorishvili ◽  
Nino Shiukashvili ◽  
Nina Mikeladze ◽  
Ann Dzagnidze ◽  
Nino Mikava ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Disability Status

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with a significant negative impact on the occupational and social functioning of patients. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of CI among MS patients in Georgia. Sixty-eight patients with MS attending a neurology outpatient clinic in Tbilisi, Georgia, were enrolled in the study. Cognitive status was evaluated using two screening tools: the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The overall prevalence of CI in our MS patients was 47%. We found negative associations between cognitive test results and patients’ age, disability status, and depression. Lower education, higher scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and the progressive course of MS were the main predictors of CI in the logistic regression analysis. This is the first study in Georgia to evaluate CI in patients with MS. The prevalence of CI in our study was comparable with those reported in other countries; however, we found greater impairment of the executive system compared to other cognitive domains. In our study, patients who were on continuous DMT showed significantly better performance on the cognitive tests used, indicating possible favorable effect of immunomodulatory drugs on cognition.

Sub-threshold cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: the association with cognitive reserve

2013 ◽  
Vol 260 (9) ◽  
pp. 2256-2261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Feinstein ◽  
Helen Lapshin ◽  
Paul O’Connor ◽  
Krista L. Lanctôt
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Reserve

scholarly journals Longitudinal Stability of Cognition in Early-Phase Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 173-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxana M. Barbu ◽  
Jason A. Berard ◽  
Louise M. Gresham ◽  
Lisa A.S. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background: Up to 70% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive impairment. Some remain cognitively intact despite advanced disease. Cognitive reserve (CR) theory postulates that individuals with higher levels of intellectual enrichment can tolerate more pathology than others before exhibiting cognitive impairment. Methods: Thirty-two individuals with early-phase relapsing-remitting MS with mild physical disability and disease duration less than 10 years and 32 controls were recruited. At baseline and after 3 years, participants completed neuropsychological tests evaluating several cognitive domains. The CR was assessed via a cognitive reserve index (CRI) using educational levels and North American Adult Reading Test scores. Change in cognition was assessed using a reliable change index. Results: At baseline, people with MS performed worse than controls on visual memory. There were no significant group differences on information processing speed, learning, language, and executive functions. Most cognitive domains showed no change over time, and CRI was not a significant predictor in the regression model. Conclusions: People with MS performed worse on memory tasks at baseline compared with controls. Cognitive change differed between people with MS and controls in executive functions. Although people with MS and controls improved over time, beyond practice effects, people with MS improved less than controls. Overall, no cognitive deterioration was noted over time, and CR did not predict change in cognition. Sample homogeneity in terms of disease stage and CR may explain these findings.

scholarly journals Intracortical lesions by 3T magnetic resonance imaging and correlation with cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 1122-1129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavia Nelson ◽  
Sushmita Datta ◽  
Nereyda Garcia ◽  
Nigel L Rozario ◽  
Francisco Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Inversion Recovery ◽  
Cortical Lesions ◽  
Resonance Imaging

Background: Accurate classification of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions in the brain cortex may be important in understanding their impact on cognitive impairment (CI). Improved accuracy in identification/classification of cortical lesions was demonstrated in a study combining two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences: double inversion recovery (DIR) and T1-weighted phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR). Objective: To evaluate the role of intracortical lesions (IC) in MS-related CI and compare it with the role of mixed (MX), juxtacortical (JX), the sum of IC + MX and with total lesions as detected on DIR/PSIR images. Correlations between CI and brain atrophy, disease severity and disease duration were also sought. Methods: A total of 39 patients underwent extensive neuropsychological testing and were classified into normal and impaired groups. Images were obtained on a 3T scanner and cortical lesions were assessed blind to the cognitive status of the subjects. Results: Some 238 cortical lesions were identified (130 IC, 108 MX) in 82% of the patients; 39 JX lesions were also identified. Correlations between CI and MX lesions alone ( p = 0.010) and with the sum of IC + MX lesions ( p = 0.030) were found. A correlation between severity of CI and Expanded Disability Status Scale was also seen ( p = 0.009). Conclusion: Cortical lesions play an important role in CI. However, our results suggest that lesions that remain contained within the cortical ribbon do not play a more important role than ones extending into the adjacent white matter; furthermore, the size of the cortical lesion, and not the tissue-specific location, may better explain their correlation with CI.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document