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Rocca MA, Romanò F, Tedone N, Filippi M. Advanced neuroimaging techniques to explore the effects of motor and cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12395-0. [PMID: 38691168 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progress in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and analyses is improving our comprehension of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology. These advancements, which enable the evaluation of atrophy, microstructural tissue abnormalities, and functional plasticity, are broadening our insights into the effectiveness and working mechanisms of motor and cognitive rehabilitative treatments. AREAS COVERED This narrative review with selected studies discusses findings derived from the application of advanced MRI techniques to evaluate structural and functional neuroplasticity modifications underlying the effects of motor and cognitive rehabilitative treatments in people with MS (PwMS). Current applications as outcome measure in longitudinal trials and observational studies, their interpretation and possible pitfalls and limitations in their use are covered. Finally, we examine how the use of these techniques could evolve in the future to improve monitoring of motor and cognitive rehabilitative treatments. EXPERT COMMENTARY Despite substantial variability in study design and participant characteristics in rehabilitative studies for PwMS, improvements in motor and cognitive functions accompanied by structural and functional brain modifications induced by rehabilitation can be observed. However, significant enhancements to refine rehabilitation strategies are needed. Future studies in this field should strive to implement standardized methodologies regarding MRI acquisition and processing, possibly integrating multimodal measures. This will help identifying relevant markers of treatment response in PwMS, thus improving the use of rehabilitative interventions at individual level. The combination of motor and cognitive strategies, longer periods of treatment, as well as adequate follow-up assessments will contribute to enhance the quality of evidence in support of their routine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Romanò
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Tedone
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Lenne B, Degraeve B, Davroux J, Norberciak L, Kwiatkowski A, Donze C. Improving cognition in people with multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a multiarm, randomised, blinded trial of multidomain cognitive rehabilitation using a video-serious game (E-SEP cognition). BMJ Neurol Open 2023; 5:e000488. [PMID: 38033375 PMCID: PMC10685921 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent neurological disease characterised by disseminated areas of demyelination and atrophy within the central nervous system, inducing cognitive disorders in 45%-65% of persons with MS (PwMS). Neuropsychology and neuroimaging studies provide evidence of the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation interventions, including memory and attention. Recently, serious game therapy (SGT) has been used in rehabilitation to improve cognitive processing speed. The aim of this study is to describe the protocol of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of a tablet-based cognitive home intervention among ambulatory PwMS, in comparison to a standardised neuropsychological rehabilitation. Methods and analysis This will be a parallel-assignment, double-blinded, RCT. One hundred and fifty (75 per arm) PwMS will be randomly assigned to receive cognitive rehabilitation session over 4 months (four 20-min sessions/week) of either: (1) tablet-based SGT or (2) conventional cognitive exercises. The same assessor will evaluate outcome measures at three points: at baseline (T0), after the 16 therapy sessions weeks (T1), and 6 months after the end of treatment (T2). The primary outcomes were the scores from the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS). Data analysis will be performed to compare the efficacy of the two treatments. We expect superior efficiency of tablet-based SGT in contrast to conventional cognitive exercises, based on BICAMS measures of speed processing information and episodic memory. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol is registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT04694534) and benefits from a favourable opinion from an ethics committee (RC-P0066-2018-A00411-54).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lenne
- ETHICS (EA7446), Lille Catholic University, Lille, France
- Neurology, Lille Catholic Institute Hospital Group, Lomme, Hauts-de-France, France
| | | | - Jessy Davroux
- Rehabilitation clinic, Lille Catholic Institute Hospital Group, Lomme, Hauts-de-France, France
| | - Laurène Norberciak
- Biostatistics department / Delegation for clinical research and innovation, Lille Catholic Institute Hospital Group, Lomme, Hauts-de-France, France
| | - Arnaud Kwiatkowski
- ETHICS (EA7446), Lille Catholic University, Lille, France
- Neurology, Lille Catholic Institute Hospital Group, Lomme, Hauts-de-France, France
| | - Cécile Donze
- ETHICS (EA7446), Lille Catholic University, Lille, France
- Rehabilitation clinic, Lille Catholic Institute Hospital Group, Lomme, Hauts-de-France, France
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Lenne B, Donze C, Massot C, Degraeve B. Impact of physical activity, physical fitness and exercises on cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis: A review of evidence and underlying mechanisms. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023:S0035-3787(23)01037-8. [PMID: 37798163 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment in persons with MS (pwMS) occurs commonly, early and independently of other clinical features of the disease. MS-related cognitive impairment is mainly characterized by weakening of information processing speed, working memory and episodic memory. Much evidence, based on both neuropsychological and neuroimaging outcomes, highlights successful cognitive rehabilitation interventions. In this context, promotion of physical activity and exercise training could be a dual, motor and cognitive, rehabilitation method. The aim of this article is, firstly, to review existing evidence regarding the effects of exercise on cognition among pwMS, and secondly, to explore the possible mechanisms of action of the cognitive-motor coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lenne
- Lille Catholic University, Lille, France; Groupement des hôpitaux de l'institut catholique de Lille (GHICL), Neurology Department, Lille, France.
| | - C Donze
- Lille Catholic University, Lille, France; Groupement des hôpitaux de l'institut catholique de Lille (GHICL), Neurology Department, Lille, France.
| | - C Massot
- Lille Catholic University, Lille, France; Groupement des hôpitaux de l'institut catholique de Lille (GHICL), Neurology Department, Lille, France; Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France (UPHF), LAMIH, Valenciennes, France; CNRS, UMR 8201, Valenciennes, France.
| | - B Degraeve
- Lille Catholic University, Lille, France.
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Liang X, Wang L, Zhu Y, Wang Y, He T, Wu L, Huang M, Zhou F. Altered neural intrinsic oscillations in patients with multiple sclerosis: effects of cortical thickness. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1143646. [PMID: 37818221 PMCID: PMC10560735 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1143646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of cortical thickness on the identification accuracy of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 31 remitting MS, 20 acute MS, and 42 healthy controls (HCs). After preprocessing, we first calculated two-dimensional fALFF (2d-fALFF) maps using the DPABISurf toolkit, and 2d-fALFF per unit thickness was obtained by dividing 2d-fALFF by cortical thickness. Then, between-group comparison, clinical correlation, and classification analyses were performed in 2d-fALFF and 2d-fALFF per unit thickness maps. Finally, we also examined whether the effect of cortical thickness on 2d-fALFF maps was affected by the subfrequency band. Results In contrast with 2d-fALFF, more changed regions in 2d-fALFF per unit thickness maps were detected in MS patients, such as increased region of the right inferior frontal cortex and faded regions of the right paracentral lobule, middle cingulate cortex, and right medial temporal cortex. There was a significant positive correlation between the disease duration and the 2d-fALFF values in the left early visual cortex in remitting MS patients (r = 0.517, Bonferroni-corrected, p = 0.008 × 4 < 0.05). In contrast with 2d-fALFF, we detected a positive correlation between the 2d-fALFF per unit thickness of the right ventral stream visual cortex and the modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) scores (r = 0.555, Bonferroni-corrected, p = 0.017 × 4 > 0.05). For detecting MS patients, 2d-fALFF and 2d- fALFF per unit thickness both performed remarkably well in support vector machine (SVM) analysis, especially in the remitting phase (AUC = 86, 83%). Compared with 2d-fALFF, the SVM model of 2d-fALFF per unit thickness had significantly higher classification performance in distinguishing between remitting and acute MS. More changed regions and more clinically relevant 2d-fALFF per unit thickness maps in the subfrequency band were also detected in MS patients. Conclusion By dividing the functional value by the cortical thickness, the identification accuracy of fALFF in MS patients was detected to be potentially influenced by cortical thickness. Additionally, 2d-fALFF per unit thickness is a potential diagnostic marker that can be utilized to distinguish between acute and remitting MS patients. Notably, we observed similar variations in the subfrequency band.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanyan Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ting He
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Muhua Huang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fuqing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Abelmann AC, Kessels RPC, Brazil IA, Fasotti L, Bertens D. Game-supported cognitive strategy training for slowed information processing speed after acquired brain injury: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067108. [PMID: 37734890 PMCID: PMC10514599 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many individuals with acquired brain injury tend to experience problems with slowed information processing speed (IPS). A potentially beneficial and cost-effective supplement for cognitive rehabilitation of impaired IPS may be the implementation of serious gaming that focuses on compensatory learning as part of cognitive training. However, most digital platforms used during cognitive rehabilitation focus on restoring cognitive function and evidence for skill transfer from digital practice to everyday life is lacking. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a game-supported cognitive strategy training. The training combines a well-validated time pressure management cognitive strategy training, targeting slowed IPS, with a novel game and a mobile application. The game-supported training focuses on the generalisation of strategy-use to untrained tasks in everyday life. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study is designed as a randomised controlled trial in which the experimental group (Karman Line - Tempo module: an 8-week game-supported cognitive strategy training) will be compared with an active control group (CogniPlus training: an 8-week computerised cognitive function training). Data from 60 individuals with acquired brain injury (30 per group, ages between 16 and 75) will be collected at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T1) and at 3-month follow-up (T2). The primary outcome measure is an objective assessment of compensatory strategy use in an untrained experimental task. The secondary outcome is the attainment of trained and untrained treatment goals assessed by goal attainment scaling. Pre-training and post-training data will be analysed using a 2×2 repeated measure analysis of variance. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the medical review ethics committee CMO Region Arnhem and Nijmegen (NL74818.091.20) and is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register. Research findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL9437; The Netherlands Trial Register.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Abelmann
- Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology, Radboud University Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Research and Innovation, Klimmendaal, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Roy P C Kessels
- Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology, Radboud University Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Research and Innovation, Klimmendaal, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Inti A Brazil
- Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology, Radboud University Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Division Diagnostics, Pompestichting Langdurige Forensisch Psychiatrische Zorg, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Luciano Fasotti
- Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology, Radboud University Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Research and Innovation, Klimmendaal, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Bertens
- Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology, Radboud University Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Research and Innovation, Klimmendaal, Arnhem, The Netherlands
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Nair G, Nair SS, Arun KM, Camacho P, Bava E, Ajayaghosh P, Menon RN, Nair M, Kesavadas C, Anteraper SA. Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis with Mild Disability: A Data-Driven, Whole-Brain Multivoxel Pattern Analysis Study. Brain Connect 2023; 13:89-96. [PMID: 36006365 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2021.0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) has emerged as a powerful unbiased approach for generating seed regions of interest (ROIs) in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis in a data-driven manner. Studies exploring RSFC in multiple sclerosis have produced diverse and often incongruent results. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate RSFC differences between people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and healthy controls (HC). Methods: We performed a whole-brain connectome-wide MVPA in 50 RRMS patients with expanded disability status scale ≤4 and 50 age and gender-matched HCs. Results: Significant group differences were noted in RSFC in three clusters distributed in the following regions: anterior cingulate gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and frontal medial cortex. Whole-brain seed-to-voxel RSFC characterization of these clusters as seed ROIs revealed network-specific abnormalities, specifically in the anterior cingulate cortex and the default mode network. Conclusions: The network-wide RSFC abnormalities we report agree with the previous findings in RRMS, the cognitive and clinical implications of which are discussed herein. Impact statement This study investigated resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) people with mild disability (expanded disability status scale ≤4). Whole-brain connectome-wide multivoxel pattern analysis was used for assessing RSFC. Compared with healthy controls, we were able to identify three regions of interest for significant differences in connectivity patterns, which were then extracted as a mask for whole-brain seed-to-voxel analysis. A reduced connectivity was noted in the RRMS group, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex and the default mode network regions, providing insights into the RSFC abnormalities in RRMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowthami Nair
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Sruthi S Nair
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Karumattu Manattu Arun
- Department of Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Paul Camacho
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Interdisciplinary Health Science Institute, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Elshal Bava
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Priya Ajayaghosh
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Ramshekhar N Menon
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Muralidharan Nair
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Chandrasekharan Kesavadas
- Department of Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Baldini S, Morelli ME, Sartori A, Pasquin F, Dinoto A, Bratina A, Bosco A, Manganotti P. Microstates in multiple sclerosis: an electrophysiological signature of altered large-scale networks functioning? Brain Commun 2022; 5:fcac255. [PMID: 36601622 PMCID: PMC9806850 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis has a highly variable course and disabling symptoms even in absence of associated imaging data. This clinical-radiological paradox has motivated functional studies with particular attention to the resting-state networks by functional MRI. The EEG microstates analysis might offer advantages to study the spontaneous fluctuations of brain activity. This analysis investigates configurations of voltage maps that remain stable for 80-120 ms, termed microstates. The aim of our study was to investigate the temporal dynamic of microstates in patients with multiple sclerosis, without reported cognitive difficulties, and their possible correlations with clinical and neuropsychological parameters. We enrolled fifty relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients and 24 healthy subjects, matched for age and sex. Demographic and clinical data were collected. All participants underwent to high-density EEG in resting-state and analyzed 15 min free artefact segments. Microstates analysis consisted in two processes: segmentation, to identify specific templates, and back-fitting, to quantify their temporal dynamic. A neuropsychological assessment was performed by the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis. Repeated measures two-way ANOVA was run to compare microstates parameters of patients versus controls. To evaluate association between clinical, neuropsychological and microstates data, we performed Pearsons' correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression to estimate possible predictions. The alpha value was set to 0.05. We found six templates computed across all subjects. Significant differences were found in most of the parameters (global explained variance, time coverage, occurrence) for the microstate Class A (P < 0.001), B (P < 0.001), D (P < 0.001), E (P < 0.001) and F (P < 0.001). In particular, an increase of temporal dynamic of Class A, B and E and a decrease of Class D and F were observed. A significant positive association of disease duration with the mean duration of Class A was found. Eight percent of patients with multiple sclerosis were found cognitive impaired, and the multiple linear regression analysis showed a strong prediction of Symbol Digit Modalities Test score by global explained variance of Class A. The EEG microstate analysis in patients with multiple sclerosis, without overt cognitive impairment, showed an increased temporal dynamic of the sensory-related microstates (Class A and B), a reduced presence of the cognitive-related microstates (Class D and F), and a higher activation of a microstate (Class E) associated to the default mode network. These findings might represent an electrophysiological signature of brain reorganization in multiple sclerosis. Moreover, the association between Symbol Digit Modalities Test and Class A may suggest a possible marker of overt cognitive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Baldini
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Elisa Morelli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Arianna Sartori
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvio Pasquin
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dinoto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessio Bratina
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Manganotti
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Resting state effective connectivity abnormalities of the Papez circuit and cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3913-3919. [PMID: 35624146 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01625-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Papez circuit is central to memory and emotional processes. However, little is known about its involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to investigate abnormalities of resting state (RS) effective connectivity (EC) between regions of the Papez circuit in MS and their relationship with cognitive performances. Sixty-two MS patients and 64 healthy controls (HC) underwent neuropsychological assessment, 3D T1-weighted, and RS functional MRI. RS EC analysis was performed using SPM12 and dynamic causal modeling. RS EC abnormalities were investigated using parametric empirical Bayes models and were correlated with cognitive scores. Compared to HC, MS patients showed (posterior probability > 0.95) higher EC between the right entorhinal cortex and right subiculum, and lower EC from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), from left to right subiculum, from left anterior thalamus to ACC, and within ACC and PCC. Lower RS EC from the ACC to the PCC correlated with worse global cognitive scores (rho = 0.19; p = 0.03), worse visuospatial memory (rho = 0.19; p = 0.03) and worse semantic fluency (rho = 0.21; p = 0.02). Lower RS EC from the left to the right subiculum correlated with worse verbal memory (rho = 0.20; p = 0.02), lower RS EC within the ACC correlated with worse attention (rho = -0.19; p = 0.04) and more severe brain atrophy (rho = -0.26; p = 0.003). Higher EC from the right entorhinal cortex to right subiculum correlated with worse semantic fluency (rho = 0.21; p = 0.02). In conclusion, MS patients showed altered RS EC within the Papez circuit. Abnormal RS EC involving cingulate cortices and hippocampal formation contributed to explain cognitive deficits.
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Jensen DA, Lundervold AJ, Stubberud J, Halmøy A, Haavik J, Sørensen L. Goal management training improves executive control in adults with ADHD: an open trial employing attention network theory to examine effects on attention. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:207. [PMID: 36028907 PMCID: PMC9414421 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) typically experience poorer attentional control. According to the attention network theory, attentional control relies on three interacting networks of alerting, orienting, and executive control. In ADHD, it is mainly the alerting and executive control networks that are suggested and found to be compromised. Methods In the current study, we investigated if a group-based metacognitive remediation program (Goal Management Training [GMT]) in adults with ADHD would enhance attentional control using an experimental measure of the attention network theory. We expected that GMT would specifically enhance the executive control and alerting networks. Results Data from post- and follow up-assessments of 21 adults (age: 39.05 [11.93]) with ADHD who had completed GMT were included. Linear mixed-effects modeling revealed significant improvements in the functioning of the executive control network for the majority of the participants, although a small subset of participants showed a negative development following the intervention. Results also showed an improvement in the orienting network at follow up, but no change in the alerting network. Conclusion The results may indicate that improvements in the functioning of the executive control network are central to the positive effects of GMT reported in disorders characterized by impaired attentional control. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN (Identifier: ISRCTN91988877) on the 18/01/2021. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00902-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Jensen
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Division of Mental Health, Betanien Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Astri J Lundervold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Stubberud
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Halmøy
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Haavik
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lin Sørensen
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Rocca MA, Schoonheim MM, Valsasina P, Geurts JJG, Filippi M. Task- and resting-state fMRI studies in multiple sclerosis: From regions to systems and time-varying analysis. Current status and future perspective. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 35:103076. [PMID: 35691253 PMCID: PMC9194954 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Functional MRI is able to detect adaptive and maladaptive abnormalities at different MS stages. Increased fMRI activity is a feature of early MS, while progressive exhaustion of adaptive mechanisms is detected later on in the disease. Collapse of long-range connections and impaired hub integration characterize MS network reorganization. Time-varying connectivity analysis provides useful and complementary pieces of information to static functional connectivity. New perspectives might be the use of multimodal MRI and artificial intelligence.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system and features extensive functional brain changes that are poorly understood but relate strongly to clinical impairments. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive, powerful technique able to map activity of brain regions and to assess how such regions interact for an efficient brain network. FMRI has been widely applied to study functional brain changes in MS, allowing to investigate functional plasticity consequent to disease-related structural injury. The first studies in MS using active fMRI tasks mainly aimed to study such plastic changes by identifying abnormal activity in salient brain regions (or systems) involved by the task. In later studies the focus shifted towards resting state (RS) functional connectivity (FC) studies, which aimed to map large-scale functional networks of the brain and to establish how MS pathology impairs functional integration, eventually leading to the hypothesized network collapse as patients clinically progress. This review provides a summary of the main findings from studies using task-based and RS fMRI and illustrates how functional brain alterations relate to clinical disability and cognitive deficits in this condition. We also give an overview of longitudinal studies that used task-based and RS fMRI to monitor disease evolution and effects of motor and cognitive rehabilitation. In addition, we discuss the results of studies using newer technologies involving time-varying FC to investigate abnormal dynamism and flexibility of network configurations in MS. Finally, we show some preliminary results from two recent topics (i.e., multimodal MRI analysis and artificial intelligence) that are receiving increasing attention. Together, these functional studies could provide new (conceptual) insights into disease stage-specific mechanisms underlying progression in MS, with recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Valsasina
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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11
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Functional connectivity as a neural correlate of cognitive rehabilitation programs’ efficacy: A systematic review. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02989-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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12
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van Balkom TD, van den Heuvel OA, Berendse HW, van der Werf YD, Vriend C. Eight-week multi-domain cognitive training does not impact large-scale resting-state brain networks in Parkinson's disease. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 33:102952. [PMID: 35123203 PMCID: PMC8819471 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.102952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There is meta-analytic evidence for the efficacy of cognitive training (CT) in Parkinson's disease (PD). We performed a randomized controlled trial where we found small positive effects of CT on executive function and processing speed in individuals with PD (ntotal = 140). In this study, we assessed the effects of CT on brain network connectivity and topology in a subsample of the full study population (nmri = 86). Participants were randomized into an online multi-domain CT and an active control condition and performed 24 sessions of either intervention in eight weeks. Resting-state functional MRI scans were acquired in addition to extensive clinical and neuropsychological assessments pre- and post-intervention. In line with our preregistered analysis plan (osf.io/3st82), we computed connectivity between 'cognitive' resting-state networks and computed topological outcomes at the whole-brain and sub-network level. We assessed group differences after the intervention with mixed-model analyses adjusting for baseline performance and analyzed the association between network and cognitive performance changes with repeated measures correlation analyses. The final analysis sample consisted of 71 participants (n CT = 37). After intervention there were no group differences on between-network connectivity and network topological outcomes. No associations between neural network and neuropsychological performance change were found. CT increased segregated network topology in a small sub-sample of cognitively intact participants. Post-hoc nodal analyses showed post-intervention enhanced connectivity of both the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the CT group. The results suggest no large-scale brain network effects of eight-week computerized CT, but rather localized connectivity changes of key regions in cognitive function, that potentially reflect the specific effects of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim D van Balkom
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Odile A van den Heuvel
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Henk W Berendse
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Ysbrand D van der Werf
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Chris Vriend
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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13
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Barile B, Marzullo A, Stamile C, Durand-Dubief F, Sappey-Marinier D. Ensemble Learning for Multiple Sclerosis Disability Estimation Using Brain Structural Connectivity. Brain Connect 2021; 12:476-488. [PMID: 34269618 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2020.1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration processes. It leads to different clinical courses and degrees of disability that need to be anticipated by the neurologist for personalized therapy. Recently, machine learning (ML) techniques have reached a high level of performance in brain disease diagnosis and/or prognosis, but the decision process of a trained ML system is typically non-transparent. Using brain structural connectivity data, a fully automatic ensemble learning model, augmented with an interpretable model, is proposed for the estimation of MS patients' disability, measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). METHOD An ensemble of four boosting-based models (GBM, XGBoost, CatBoost, LightBoost) organized following a stacking generalization scheme, was developed using DTI-based structural connectivity data. In addition, an interpretable model based on conditional logistic regression was developed to explain the best performances in terms of white matter (WM) links for three classes of EDSS (Low, Medium, High). RESULTS The ensemble model reached excellent level of performance (RMSE of 0.92 ± 0.28) compared to single-based models and provided a better EDSS estimation using DTI-based structural connectivity data compared to conventional MRI measures associated with patient data (age, gender and disease duration). Used for interpretation of the estimation process, the counterfactual method showed the importance of certain brain networks, corresponding mainly to left hemisphere WM links, connecting the left superior temporal with the left posterior cingulate and the right precuneus gray matter regions, and the inter-hemispheric WM links constituting the corpus callosum. Also, a better accuracy estimation was found for the high disability class. CONCLUSION The combination of advanced ML models and sensitive techniques such as DTI-based structural connectivity demonstrated to be useful for the estimation of MS patients' disability and to point out the most important brain WM networks involved in disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berardino Barile
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 27098, 1CREATIS (UMR5220 & INSERM U1206), 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, Villeurbanne, Villeurbanne, France, 69100;
| | - Aldo Marzullo
- University of Calabria, 18950, Mathematics and Computer Science, Arcavacata di Rende, Calabria, Italy;
| | | | - Francoise Durand-Dubief
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 26900, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes , France.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 27098, CREATIS (UMR5220 & INSERM U1206), Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes , France;
| | - Dominique Sappey-Marinier
- Université de Lyon, 133614, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes , France.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 27098, CREATIS (UMR5220 & INSERM U1206), Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes , France;
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14
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Zhang J, Cortese R, De Stefano N, Giorgio A. Structural and Functional Connectivity Substrates of Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:671894. [PMID: 34305785 PMCID: PMC8297166 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.671894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CI) occurs in 43 to 70% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients at both early and later disease stages. Cognitive domains typically involved in MS include attention, information processing speed, memory, and executive control. The growing use of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques is furthering our understanding on the altered structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) substrates of CI in MS. Regarding SC, different diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures (e.g., fractional anisotropy, diffusivities) along tractography-derived white matter (WM) tracts showed relevance toward CI. Novel diffusion MRI techniques, including diffusion kurtosis imaging, diffusion spectrum imaging, high angular resolution diffusion imaging, and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, showed more pathological specificity compared to the traditional DTI but require longer scan time and mathematical complexities for their interpretation. As for FC, task-based functional MRI (fMRI) has been traditionally used in MS to brain mapping the neural activity during various cognitive tasks. Analysis methods of resting fMRI (seed-based, independent component analysis, graph analysis) have been applied to uncover the functional substrates of CI in MS by revealing adaptive or maladaptive mechanisms of functional reorganization. The relevance for CI in MS of SC–FC relationships, reflecting common pathogenic mechanisms in WM and gray matter, has been recently explored by novel MRI analysis methods. This review summarizes recent advances on MRI techniques of SC and FC and their potential to provide a deeper understanding of the pathological substrates of CI in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rosa Cortese
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Giorgio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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15
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Aguirre N, Cruz-Gómez ÁJ, Esbrí SF, Miró-Padilla A, Bueichekú E, Broseta-Torres R, Ávila C, Sanchis-Segura C, Forn C. Enhanced frontoparietal connectivity in multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls in response to an intensive computerized training focused on working memory. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 52:102976. [PMID: 33964569 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working memory (WM) deficits are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Computerized cognitive training may enhance WM capabilities but its efficacy in MS patients has not been sufficiently explored. METHODS This study examines the effects of n-back training on cognitive performance and functional connectivity (FC) in 29 MS patients and 29 healthy controls (HC). Baseline (S1) performance on 2- and 3-back tasks and FC within the fronto-parietal network were assessed before randomly splitting the sample into four subgroups: trained MS (MSt, n = 15), trained HC (HCt, n = 14), untrained MS (MSu, n = 14), and untrained HC (HCu, n = 15). The trained subgroups underwent adaptive n-back training (60 min/day; 4 days) and n-back task performance and FC were reassessed in a second session (S2). RESULTS As revealed by mixed two-way ANOVAs, trained participants (MSt and HCt) exhibited a significant increase in the number of correct responses and significantly reduced reaction times in S2. These performance improvements were accompanied by an increase in FC in the fronto-parietal pathways and statistically significant correlations between both effects were found. CONCLUSIONS Computerised WM training results in behavioural and neuroplasticity positive effects that may be useful when trying to prevent or attenuate cognitive decline in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Aguirre
- Universitat Jaume I. Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Castelló de la Plana, 12006, Spain
| | - Álvaro Javier Cruz-Gómez
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Grupo de Neuroimagen y Psicofisiología, Spain
| | - Sonia Félix Esbrí
- Universitat Jaume I. Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Castelló de la Plana, 12006, Spain
| | - Anna Miró-Padilla
- Universitat Jaume I. Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Castelló de la Plana, 12006, Spain
| | - Elisenda Bueichekú
- Universitat Jaume I. Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Castelló de la Plana, 12006, Spain
| | | | - César Ávila
- Universitat Jaume I. Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Castelló de la Plana, 12006, Spain
| | - Carla Sanchis-Segura
- Universitat Jaume I. Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Castelló de la Plana, 12006, Spain
| | - Cristina Forn
- Universitat Jaume I. Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Castelló de la Plana, 12006, Spain.
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Lincoln NB, Bradshaw LE, Constantinescu CS, Day F, Drummond AE, Fitzsimmons D, Harris S, Montgomery AA, das Nair R. Group cognitive rehabilitation to reduce the psychological impact of multiple sclerosis on quality of life: the CRAMMS RCT. Health Technol Assess 2021; 24:1-182. [PMID: 31934845 DOI: 10.3310/hta24040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with multiple sclerosis have problems with memory and attention. The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation has not been established. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a cognitive rehabilitation programme for people with multiple sclerosis. DESIGN This was a multicentre, randomised controlled trial in which participants were randomised in a ratio of 6 : 5 to receive cognitive rehabilitation plus usual care or usual care alone. Participants were assessed at 6 and 12 months after randomisation. SETTING The trial was set in hospital neurology clinics and community services. PARTICIPANTS Participants were people with multiple sclerosis who had cognitive problems, were aged 18-69 years, could travel to attend group sessions and gave informed consent. INTERVENTION The intervention was a group cognitive rehabilitation programme delivered weekly by an assistant psychologist to between four and six participants for 10 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale - Psychological subscale at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included results from the Everyday Memory Questionnaire, the 30-Item General Health Questionnaire, the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version and a service use questionnaire from participants, and the Everyday Memory Questionnaire - relative version and the Modified Carer Strain Index from a relative or friend of the participant. RESULTS Of the 449 participants randomised, 245 were allocated to cognitive rehabilitation (intervention group) and 204 were allocated to usual care (control group). Of these, 214 in the intervention group and 173 in the control group were included in the primary analysis. There was no clinically important difference in the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale - Psychological subscale score between the two groups at the 12-month follow-up (adjusted difference in means -0.6, 95% confidence interval -1.5 to 0.3; p = 0.20). There were no important differences between the groups in relation to cognitive abilities, fatigue, employment, or carer strain at follow-up. However, there were differences, although small, between the groups in the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale - Psychological subscale score at 6 months (adjusted difference in means -0.9, 95% confidence interval -1.7 to -0.1; p = 0.03) and in everyday memory on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire as reported by participants at 6 (adjusted difference in means -5.3, 95% confidence interval -8.7 to -1.9) and 12 months (adjusted difference in means -4.4, 95% confidence interval -7.8 to -0.9) and by relatives at 6 (adjusted difference in means -5.4, 95% confidence interval -9.1 to -1.7) and 12 months (adjusted difference in means -5.5, 95% confidence interval -9.6 to -1.5) in favour of the cognitive rehabilitation group. There were also differences in mood on the 30-Item General Health Questionnaire at 6 (adjusted difference in means -3.4, 95% confidence interval -5.9 to -0.8) and 12 months (adjusted difference in means -3.4, 95% confidence interval -6.2 to -0.6) in favour of the cognitive rehabilitation group. A qualitative analysis indicated perceived benefits of the intervention. There was no evidence of a difference in costs (adjusted difference in means -£574.93, 95% confidence interval -£1878.93 to £729.07) or quality-adjusted life-year gain (adjusted difference in means 0.00, 95% confidence interval -0.02 to 0.02). No safety concerns were raised and no deaths were reported. LIMITATIONS The trial included a sample of participants who had relatively severe cognitive problems in daily life. The trial was not powered to perform subgroup analyses. Participants could not be blinded to treatment allocation. CONCLUSIONS This cognitive rehabilitation programme had no long-term benefits on quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis. FUTURE WORK Future research should evaluate the selection of those who may benefit from cognitive rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN09697576. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 4. See the National Institute for Health Research Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadina B Lincoln
- Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lucy E Bradshaw
- Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Florence Day
- Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | - Shaun Harris
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan A Montgomery
- Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Manca R, Mitolo M, Wilkinson ID, Paling D, Sharrack B, Venneri A. A network-based cognitive training induces cognitive improvements and neuroplastic changes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: an exploratory case-control study. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1111-1120. [PMID: 33269758 PMCID: PMC8224115 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.300450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairments are commonly observed in patients with multiple sclerosis and are associated with lower levels of quality of life. No consensus has been reached on how to tackle effectively cognitive decline in this clinical population non-pharmacologically. This exploratory case-control study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a hypothesis-based cognitive training designed to target multiple domains by promoting the synchronous co-activation of different brain areas and thereby improve cognition and induce changes in functional connectivity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Forty-five patients (36 females and 9 males, mean age 44.62 ± 8.80 years) with clinically stable relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were assigned to either a standard cognitive training or to control groups (sham training and non-active control). The standard training included twenty sessions of computerized exercises involving various cognitive functions supported by distinct brain networks. The sham training was a modified version of the standard training that comprised the same exercises and number of sessions but with increased processing speed load. The non-active control group received no cognitive training. All patients underwent comprehensive neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging assessments at baseline and after 5 weeks. Cognitive and resting-state magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed using repeated measures models. At reassessment, the standard training group showed significant cognitive improvements compared to both control groups in memory tasks not specifically targeted by the training: the Buschke Selective Reminding Test and the Semantic Fluency test. The standard training group showed reductions in functional connectivity of the salience network, in the anterior cingulate cortex, associated with improvements on the Buschke Selective Reminding Test. No changes were observed in the sham training group. These findings suggest that multi-domain training that stimulates multiple brain areas synchronously may improve cognition in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis if sufficient time to process training material is allowed. The associated reduction in functional connectivity of the salience network suggests that training-induced neuroplastic functional reorganization may be the mechanism supporting performance gains. This study was approved by the Regional Ethics Committee of Yorkshire and Humber (approval No. 12/YH/0474) on November 20, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Manca
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Micaela Mitolo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Diagnostica Funzionale Neuroradiologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Iain D Wilkinson
- Academic Unit of Radiology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David Paling
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield; Academic Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Teaching Hospital, National Health Service Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Basil Sharrack
- Academic Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Teaching Hospital, National Health Service Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Annalena Venneri
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Podda J, Tacchino A, Pedullà L, Monti Bragadin M, Battaglia MA, Brichetto G. Focus on neglected features of cognitive rehabilitation in MS: Setting and mode of the treatment. Mult Scler 2020; 28:1009-1019. [PMID: 33045916 PMCID: PMC9131413 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520966300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS) aims at reducing patients’
cognitive impairments, improving their awareness and ability to take cognitive
difficulties into account in their daily living. However, at this moment, more
high-quality randomized trials are needed to draw conclusion about the
effectiveness of cognitive interventions in MS. Although existing studies
provide clear descriptions of intervention key ingredients (e.g. targeted
cognitive domain as well as treatment frequency and duration) and the practical
details needed to manage these key elements (e.g. restorative approaches,
compensatory strategies, or environmental modifications), other crucial aspects
received less attention in rehabilitation research. The aim of this topical
review is to try to elucidate some critical issues that were only partly
addressed and analyzed by the scientific literature: setting (center-based vs
home-based) and mode (individual vs group) of the cognitive rehabilitation
treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Podda
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Tacchino
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Ludovico Pedullà
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Margherita Monti Bragadin
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy/AISM Rehabilitation Center, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Alberto Battaglia
- Department of Physiopathology, Experimental Medicine and Public Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy/AISM Rehabilitation Center, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society, Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
Cognitive impairment and related abnormal brain activity are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Adaptive training based on working memory (WM) has been shown to ameliorate cognitive symptoms, although the effects at a neural level are unclear. The aim of this study was to expand the existing research on the effects of an adaptive WM rehabilitative intervention on brain functional activity in PwMS. A sample of eighteen PwMS performed an 8-week home-based cognitive rehabilitation treatment based on adaptive WM training. PwMS were assessed before and after treatment using a validated neuropsychological battery and undergoing an fMRI session while carrying out a cognitive task (i.e., Paced Visual Serial Addition Test - PVSAT). fMRI activations were compared to the activation pattern elicited by eighteen matched healthy subjects performing the same task. At baseline, we found abnormal brain activity during PVSAT in PwMS when compared to healthy subjects, with a pattern including several bilateral activation clusters. Following rehabilitation, PwMS improved cognitive performance, as evaluated by the neuropsychological battery, and showed a different activation map with clusters mainly located in the right cerebellum and in the left hemisphere. The only significant cluster in the right hemisphere was located in the inferior parietal lobule, and the BOLD signal extracted in this area significantly correlated with cognitive performance both before and after the treatment. We suggest that WM training can improve the cognitive performance and reduce the abnormal activation of PwMS by partially maintaining or even restoring brain cognitive function.
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Prosperini L, Di Filippo M. Beyond clinical changes: Rehabilitation-induced neuroplasticity in MS. Mult Scler 2020; 25:1348-1362. [PMID: 31469359 DOI: 10.1177/1352458519846096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural plasticity represents the substrate by which the damaged central nervous system (CNS) re-learns lost behaviors in response to rehabilitation. In persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), rehabilitation can therefore exploit the potential of neural plasticity to restore CNS functions beyond the spontaneous mechanisms of recovery from MS-related damage. METHODS Here, we reviewed the currently available evidence on the occurrence of mechanisms of structural and functional plasticity following rehabilitation, motor, and/or cognitive training. We presented both data gained from basic laboratory research on animal models and data on persons with MS obtained by advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. RESULTS Studies on physical and environmental enrichment in experimental MS models showed beneficial effects mediated by both immune modulation and activity-dependent plasticity, lowering tissue destruction and restoring of CNS network function. Translational researches in MS people demonstrated structural and/or functional MRI changes after various interventions, but their heterogeneity and small sample sizes (5-42 patients) raise concerns about the interpretation and generalization of the obtained results. DISCUSSION We highlighted the limitations of published studies, focusing on the knowledge gaps to be filled in terms of neuropathological correlations between changes detected in animal models and changes detected in vivo by neuroimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Prosperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
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The Effects of Cognitive Training on Brain Network Activity and Connectivity in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases: a Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2020; 30:267-286. [PMID: 32529356 PMCID: PMC7305076 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-020-09440-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive training (CT) is an increasingly popular, non-pharmacological intervention for improving cognitive functioning in neurodegenerative diseases and healthy aging. Although meta-analyses support the efficacy of CT in improving cognitive functioning, the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of CT are still unclear. We performed a systematic review of literature in the PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases on controlled CT trials (N > 20) in aging and neurodegenerative diseases with pre- and post-training functional MRI outcomes up to November 23rd 2018 (PROSPERO registration number CRD42019103662). Twenty articles were eligible for our systematic review. We distinguished between multi-domain and single-domain CT. CT induced both increases and decreases in task-related functional activation, possibly indicative of an inverted U-shaped curve association between regional brain activity and task performance. Functional connectivity within ‘cognitive’ brain networks was consistently reported to increase after CT while a minority of studies additionally reported increased segregation of frontoparietal and default mode brain networks. Although we acknowledge the large heterogeneity in type of CT, imaging methodology, in-scanner task paradigm and analysis methods between studies, we propose a working model of the effects of CT on brain activity and connectivity in the context of current knowledge on compensatory mechanisms that are associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Feinstein A, Amato MP, Brichetto G, Chataway J, Chiaravalloti N, Dalgas U, DeLuca J, Feys P, Filippi M, Freeman J, Meza C, Inglese M, Motl RW, Rocca MA, Sandroff BM, Salter A, Cutter G. Study protocol: improving cognition in people with progressive multiple sclerosis: a multi-arm, randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trial of cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise (COGEx). BMC Neurol 2020; 20:204. [PMID: 32443981 PMCID: PMC7245035 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01772-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction affects up to 70% of people with progressive MS (PMS). It can exert a deleterious effect on activities of daily living, employment and relationships. Preliminary evidence suggests that performance can improve with cognitive rehabilitation (CR) and aerobic exercise (EX), but existing data are predominantly from people with relapsing-remitting MS without cognitive impairment. There is therefore a need to investigate whether this is also the case in people with progressive forms of the disease who have objectively identified cognitive impairment. It is hypothesized that CR and EX are effective treatments for people with PMS who have cognitive impairment, in particular processing speed (PS) deficits, and that a combination of these two treatments is more effective than each individual treatment given alone. We further hypothesize that improvements in PS will be associated with modifications of functional and/or structural plasticity within specific brain networks/regions involved in PS measured with advanced MRI techniques. METHODS This study is a multisite, randomized, double-blinded, sham controlled clinical trial of CR and aerobic exercise. Three hundred and sixty subjects from 11 sites will be randomly assigned into one of four groups: CR plus aerobic exercise; CR plus sham exercise; CR sham plus aerobic exercise and CR sham plus sham exercise. Subjects will participate in the assigned treatments for 12 weeks, twice a week. All subjects will have a cognitive and physical assessment at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. In an embedded sub-study, approximately 30% of subjects will undergo structural and functional MRI to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the behavioral response. The primary outcome is the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) measuring PS. Secondary outcome measures include: indices of verbal and non-verbal memory, depression, walking speed and a dual cognitive-motor task and MRI. DISCUSSION The study is being undertaken in 6 countries (11 centres) in multiple languages (English, Italian, Danish, Dutch); with testing material validated and standardized in these languages. The rationale for this approach is to obtain a robustly powered sample size and to demonstrate that these two interventions can be given effectively in multiple countries and in different languages. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered on September 20th 2018 at www.clinicaltrials.gov having identifier NCT03679468. Registration was performed before recruitment was initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Feinstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, M5R 3B6, Canada
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section Neurosciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Via Operai 40, 16149, Genoa, Italy
- AISM Rehabilitation Service, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society (AISM), Via Operai 30, 16149, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, London, UK
| | - Nancy Chiaravalloti
- Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ulrik Dalgas
- Section for Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Dalgas Avenue 4, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - John DeLuca
- Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Peter Feys
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, and Neurology unit, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Jennifer Freeman
- Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - Cecilia Meza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, M5R 3B6, Canada
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Robert W Motl
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Maria Assunta Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, and Neurology unit, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Brian M Sandroff
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Amber Salter
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gary Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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23
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Treatment and management of cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:319-332. [PMID: 32372033 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0355-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a common and devastating manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although disease-modifying therapies have been efficacious for reducing relapse rates in MS, such treatments are ineffective for treating cognitive dysfunction. Alternative treatment approaches for mitigating cognitive problems are greatly needed in this population. To date, cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training have been identified as possible candidates for treating MS-related cognitive impairment; however, cognitive dysfunction is still often considered to be poorly managed in patients with MS. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the treatment and management of cognitive impairment in people with MS. We describe the theoretical rationales, current states of the science, field-wide challenges and recent advances in cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training for treating MS-related cognitive impairment. We also discuss future directions for research into the treatment of cognitive impairment in MS that should set the stage for the inclusion of cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training into clinical practice within the next decade.
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24
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Gaston TE, Nair S, Allendorfer JB, Martin RC, Beattie JF, Szaflarski JP. Memory response and neuroimaging correlates of a novel cognitive rehabilitation program for memory problems in epilepsy: A pilot study. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2020; 37:457-468. [PMID: 31282442 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-190919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memory deficits are very common in epilepsy, but no standard of care exists to effectively manage them. OBJECTIVE We assessed effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) on memory and neural plasticity in people with epilepsy (PWE) reporting memory impairments. METHODS Nine PWE completed 6 weekly sessions adapted from 2 generic CR programs enriched with information regarding epilepsy. Participants completed neuropsychological, mood, and quality of life (QOLIE-31) measures prior and after completion of CR; 5/9 participants also completed pre- and post-CR fMRI while performing a verbal paired associates learning task. FMRI data were analyzed using group spatial independent components analysis methods; paired t-tests compared spatial activations for pre-/post-CR. RESULTS Improvements were seen in immediate recall in Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task, QOLIE-31, and read word recognition in paired associates task (all p's≤0.05). FMRI changes comparing pre-to-post CR were noted through increased activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and anterior cingulate and decreased activation in the left superior temporal gyrus; also noted were decreased activations in the default mode network (DMN), right cingulate, right middle temporal gyrus, right supramarginal gyrus, and increased DMN activation in the left cuneus. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates feasibility of conducting CR program in PWE with fMRI as a mechanistic biomarker. Improvements in cognition and cortical plasticity await confirmation in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler E Gaston
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Department of UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sangeeta Nair
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jane B Allendorfer
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Roy C Martin
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Julia Fleming Beattie
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Department of UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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25
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Faria AV, Meyer A, Friedman R, Tippett DC, Hillis AE. Baseline MRI associates with later naming status in primary progressive aphasia. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2020; 201:104723. [PMID: 31864209 PMCID: PMC7282486 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2019.104723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Advanced imaging studies in neurodegenerative disease have yielded new insights into subtypes of disease, progression of disease in various brain regions, and changes in structural and functional connectivity between brain regions related to symptom progression. However, few studies have revealed imaging markers at baseline that correlate with rate or degree of decline in function. Here we tested the hypothesis that imaging features at baseline correlate with outcome of naming in primary progressive aphasia. We obtained longitudinal multimodal imaging in 15 individuals with primary progressive aphasia at the same time points as assessment of naming. We found that functional connectivity between particular brain regions (measured with resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging) is strongly associated with accuracy of naming 21 months later, independently of baseline severity of naming impairment. These data indicate that functional connectivity may carry information about later performance in naming, and is potentially useful for refining prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia V Faria
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Aaron Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, USA
| | - Rhonda Friedman
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, USA
| | - Donna C Tippett
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Argye E Hillis
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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26
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van Balkom TD, Berendse HW, van der Werf YD, Twisk JWR, Zijlstra I, Hagen RH, Berk T, Vriend C, van den Heuvel OA. COGTIPS: a double-blind randomized active controlled trial protocol to study the effect of home-based, online cognitive training on cognition and brain networks in Parkinson's disease. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:179. [PMID: 31366395 PMCID: PMC6668056 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1403-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive dysfunction is highly prevalent in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and a large proportion of patients eventually develops PD-related dementia. Currently, no effective treatment is available. Cognitive training is effective in relieving cognitive dysfunctions in several –neurodegenerative– diseases, and earlier small-scale trials have shown positive results for PD. In this randomized controlled trial, we assess the efficacy of online home-based cognitive training, its long-term effects, as well as the underlying neural correlates in a large group of PD patients. Methods In this double-blind randomized controlled trial we will include 140 non-demented patients with idiopathic PD that experience significant subjective cognitive complaints. Participants will be randomized into a cognitive training group and an active control group. In both groups, participants will individually perform an online home-based intervention for eight weeks, three times a week during 45 min. The cognitive training consists of thirteen games that focus on executive functions, attention and processing speed with an adaptive difficulty. The active control comprises three games that keep participants cognitively engaged without a training component. Participants will be subjected to extensive neuropsychological assessments at baseline and after the intervention, and at six months, one year and two years of follow-up. A subset of participants (40 in each treatment condition) will undergo structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging. The primary outcome of this study is the performance on the Tower of London task. Secondary outcomes are objective and subjective cognitive functioning, conversion to PD-related mild cognitive impairment or dementia, functional and structural connectivity and network topological indices measured with magnetic resonance imaging. None of the outcome measures are part of the cognitive training program. Data will be analyzed using multivariate mixed-model analyses and odds ratios. Discussion This study is a large-scale cognitive training study in PD patients that evaluates the efficacy in relieving cognitive dysfunction, and the underlying mechanisms. The strengths of this study are the large sample size, the long follow-up period and the use of neuroimaging in a large subsample. The study is expected to have a low attrition and a high compliance rate given the home-based and easily-accessible intervention in both conditions. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02920632. Registered September 30, 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-019-1403-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim D van Balkom
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands. .,Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Henk W Berendse
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ysbrand D van der Werf
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Iris Zijlstra
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rob H Hagen
- Dutch Parkinson's Disease Association, PO Box 46, Bunnik, 3980 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Tanja Berk
- Dutch Parkinson's Disease Association, PO Box 46, Bunnik, 3980 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Chris Vriend
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Odile A van den Heuvel
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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27
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Repeated Working Memory Training Improves Task Performance and Neural Efficiency in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy Controls. Mult Scler Int 2019; 2019:2657902. [PMID: 31139470 PMCID: PMC6500632 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2657902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective To explore the effectiveness of a specific working memory (WM) training program in MS patients and healthy controls (HC). Method 29 MS patients and 29 matched HC were enrolled in the study. MS and HC were randomly split into two groups: nontraining groups (15HC/14 MS) and training groups (14 HC/15 MS). Training groups underwent adaptive n-back training (60 min/day; 4 days). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to monitor brain activity during n-back performance (conditions: 0-back, 2-back, and 3-back) at 3 time points: (1) baseline, (2) post-training (+7days), and (3) follow-up (+35days). Results In post-training and follow-up fMRI sessions, trained groups (HC and MS patients) exhibited significant reaction time (RT) reductions and increases in Correct Responses (CRs) during 2-back and 3-back performance. This improvement of task performance was accompanied by a decrease in brain activation in the WM frontoparietal network. The two effects were significantly correlated. Conclusions After WM training, both cognitively preserved MS patients and HC participants showed task performance improvement made possible by neuroplastic processes that enhanced neural efficiency.
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28
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Kang Y, Huang K, Lv Y, Zhang W, Cai S, Wang Y, Wang Q, Huang L, Wang J, Tian J. Genetic contribution of catechol-O-methyltransferase in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functional changes in the first episode schizophrenia. Behav Brain Res 2019; 364:225-232. [PMID: 30738913 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene variants have been reported to be implicated in the pathogenesis of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia, especially in negative symptoms. These symptoms including apathy, blunted affect, social withdrawal and motor retardation. Neuroimaging studies suggested that negative symptoms appear to be associated with impaired activities of the prefrontal cortex in particular the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Given that the COMT gene is highly expressed in the DLPFC, it is poorly understood whether the disease state and COMT val158met polymorphisms have main and interactive effect on the resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) of DLPFC-related pathways. To this end, fifty-five first episode schizophrenia (FES) and fifty-three healthy controls were genotyped using blood samples and underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Seed-based voxel wise functional connectivity analysis was performed by placing bilateral pairs of seeds with DLPFC in area 46 defined by Brodmann's atlas. A two-ways ANCOVA model was performed with val158met genotypes and disease state as the between subjects factors. Significant disease × COMT interactive effect was found mainly in the left DLPFC with the left anterior cingulate cortex, right precuneus, right superior parietal gyrus, which were overlapped with disease main effect. And these RSFC had positive correlations with affective blunting scores in FES patients with val homozygotes, but not with met carriers. Our results showed that the disease and the genotypes in COMT gene have significant interactive effect on RSFC of DLPFC and provided evidence for a disease-dependent pattern of gene action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Kang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kexin Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yahui Lv
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Suping Cai
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yubo Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liyu Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jijun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jie Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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29
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Rocca MA, Preziosa P, Filippi M. Application of advanced MRI techniques to monitor pharmacologic and rehabilitative treatment in multiple sclerosis: current status and future perspectives. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 19:835-866. [PMID: 30500303 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1555038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and analyses are improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Due to their ability to grade the presence of irreversible tissue loss, microstructural tissue abnormalities, metabolic changes and functional plasticity, the application of these techniques is also expanding our knowledge on the efficacy and mechanisms of action of different pharmacological and rehabilitative treatments. Areas covered: This review discusses recent findings derived from the application of advanced MRI techniques to evaluate the structural and functional substrates underlying the effects of pharmacologic and rehabilitative treatments in patients with MS. Current applications as outcome in clinical trials and observational studies, their interpretation and possible pitfalls in their use are discussed. Finally, how these techniques could evolve in the future to improve monitoring of disease progression and treatment response is examined. Expert commentary: The number of treatments currently available for MS is increasing. The application of advanced MRI techniques is providing reliable and specific measures to better understand the targets of different treatments, including neuroprotection, tissue repair, and brain plasticity. This is a fundamental progress to move toward personalized medicine and individual treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - Paolo Preziosa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
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30
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Tahedl M, Levine SM, Greenlee MW, Weissert R, Schwarzbach JV. Functional Connectivity in Multiple Sclerosis: Recent Findings and Future Directions. Front Neurol 2018; 9:828. [PMID: 30364281 PMCID: PMC6193088 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disorder resulting from scattered lesions in the central nervous system. Because of the high variability of the lesion patterns between patients, it is difficult to relate existing biomarkers to symptoms and their progression. The scattered nature of lesions in multiple sclerosis offers itself to be studied through the lens of network analyses. Recent research into multiple sclerosis has taken such a network approach by making use of functional connectivity. In this review, we briefly introduce measures of functional connectivity and how to compute them. We then identify several common observations resulting from this approach: (a) high likelihood of altered connectivity in deep-gray matter regions, (b) decrease of brain modularity, (c) hemispheric asymmetries in connectivity alterations, and (d) correspondence of behavioral symptoms with task-related and task-unrelated networks. We propose incorporating such connectivity analyses into longitudinal studies in order to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms affected by multiple sclerosis, which can consequently offer a promising route to individualizing imaging-related biomarkers for multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Tahedl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Seth M. Levine
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mark W. Greenlee
- Institute for Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Robert Weissert
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jens V. Schwarzbach
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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31
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Tavazzi E, Bergsland N, Cattaneo D, Gervasoni E, Laganà MM, Dipasquale O, Grosso C, Saibene FL, Baglio F, Rovaris M. Effects of motor rehabilitation on mobility and brain plasticity in multiple sclerosis: a structural and functional MRI study. J Neurol 2018; 265:1393-1401. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8859-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Pareto D, Sastre-Garriga J, Alonso J, Galán I, Arévalo MJ, Renom M, Montalban X, Rovira À. Classic Block Design "Pseudo"-Resting-State fMRI Changes After a Neurorehabilitation Program in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. J Neuroimaging 2018; 28:313-319. [PMID: 29400912 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The goal of this study was to assess changes in the resting-state networks (RSNs) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) after a cognitive rehabilitation program (CRP), by retrospectively analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies using the classical block design. METHODS Fifteen patients with MS (2 primary progressive, 3 relapsing-remitting, 10 secondary progressive) were scanned before and after the CRP on a 1.5T MRI scanner. In addition, patients underwent pre- and post-CRP neuropsychological assessment using a battery of standardized tests. Five healthy individuals were scanned at the same time points to confirm the test-retest reliability of the imaging technique. For each study, the individual fMRI blocks of rest were merged to produce a "pseudo"-resting-state (pseudo-RS) of 3 minutes duration. RS studies were analyzed with the MELODIC toolbox. A dual regression analysis was applied to estimate the longitudinal changes in RSNs of patients and test controls relative to a set of predefined RSNs used as templates. RESULTS In healthy individuals, there were no significant differences in RSN results between the two time points studied. In the group of patients with MS, significant differences were found post-CRP in the visual medial, cerebellar, auditory, and frontal-executive RSNs. Furthermore, synchronization increases in the frontal-executive RSN were associated with cognitive improvement on neuropsychological testing. CONCLUSIONS Results obtained using a pseudo-RS approach to analyze data from block-design fMRI studies suggest that a CRP of 5 weeks' duration induces measurable changes in specific RSNs of patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Pareto
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Sastre-Garriga
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juli Alonso
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Galán
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Arévalo
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Renom
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Montalban
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àlex Rovira
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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Face-to-Face or Telematic Cognitive Stimulation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Cognitive Impairment: Why Not Both? Behav Neurol 2018; 2017:5713934. [PMID: 29386749 PMCID: PMC5745745 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5713934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive impairment (CI) affects 40-65% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Few studies address telematic cognitive stimulation (TCS) in MS. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and impact of telestimulation or distance cognitive stimulation (TCS), with and without the support of face-to-face cognitive stimulation (FCS) in cognitive impairment in MS. Methods Multicentre, prospective, randomised, controlled study. We will include 98 MS patients with EDSS ≤ 6, symbol digit modality test (SDMT) ≤ Pc 25, and Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ) > 26 points. Patients will be randomised into 3 groups, a TCS group, a mixed TCS/FCS group, and a control group. CS is performed 3 days a week for 3 months. Processing speed, memory, attention, and executive functions will be rehabilitated. FCS will include ecological exercises and strategies. EDSS and a cognitive evaluation (SDMT, CTMT, PASAT, and TAVEC), MSNQ, psychological impact scales (MSIS), and depression (BDI) will be carried out, baseline, postrehabilitation, and also 6 and 12 months later, to evaluate the effect of CS in the longer term. Conclusion This study could help to establish the usefulness of TCS or, in its absence, TCS with face-to-face help for CI in MS. The interest lies in the clear benefits of remote rehabilitation in the daily life of patients.
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Effectiveness of a Computer-Based Training Program of Attention and Memory in Patients with Acquired Brain Damage. Behav Sci (Basel) 2017; 8:bs8010004. [PMID: 29301194 PMCID: PMC5791022 DOI: 10.3390/bs8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many training programs have been designed using modern software to restore the impaired cognitive functions in patients with acquired brain damage (ABD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based training program of attention and memory in patients with ABD, using a two-armed parallel group design, where the experimental group (n = 50) received cognitive stimulation using RehaCom software, and the control group (n = 30) received the standard cognitive stimulation (non-computerized) for eight weeks. In order to assess the possible cognitive changes after the treatment, a post-pre experimental design was employed using the following neuropsychological tests: Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and Trail Making test A and B. The effectiveness of the training procedure was statistically significant (p < 0.05) when it established the comparison between the performance in these scales, before and after the training period, in each patient and between the two groups. The training group had statistically significant (p < 0.001) changes in focused attention (Trail A), two subtests (digit span and logical memory), and the overall score of WMS. Finally, we discuss the advantages of computerized training rehabilitation and further directions of this line of work.
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Yin P, Liu Y, Xiong H, Han Y, Sah SK, Zeng C, Wang J, Li Y. Structural abnormalities and altered regional brain activity in multiple sclerosis with simple spinal cord involvement. Br J Radiol 2017; 91:20150777. [PMID: 29227148 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20150777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the changes of the structural and functional abnormalities in multiple sclerosis with simple spinal cord involvement (MS-SSCI) by using resting-state functional MRI (RS-fMRI), voxel based morphology (VBM) and diffusion tensor tractography. METHODS The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) of 22 patients with MS-SSCI and 22 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, gender and education were compared by using RS-fMRI. We also compared the volume, fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient of the brain regions in baseline brain activity by using VBM and diffusion tensor imaging. The relationships between the expanded disability states scale (EDSS) scores, changed parameters of structure and function were further explored. RESULTS (1) Compared with HCs, the ALFF of the bilateral hippocampus and right middle temporal gyrus in MS-SSCI decreased significantly. However, patients exhibited increased ALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus, left posterior cingulate gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus ( two-sample t-test, after AlphaSim correction, p < 0.01, voxel size > 40). The volume of right middle frontal gyrus reduced significantly (p < 0.01). The FA and ADC of right hippocampus, the FA of left hippocampus and right middle temporal gyrus were significantly different. (2) A significant correlation between EDSS scores and ALFF was noted only in the left posterior cingulate gyrus. CONCLUSION Our results detected structural and functional abnormalities in MS-SSCI and functional parameters were associated with clinical abnormalities. Multimodal imaging plays an important role in detecting structural and functional abnormalities in MS-SSCI. Advances in knowledge: This is the first time to apply RS-fMRI, VBM and diffusion tensor tractography to study the structural and functional abnormalities in MS-SSCI, and to explore its correlation with EDSS score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yin
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Yi Liu
- 2 Department of Radiology, Peking University Hospital , Beijing , China
| | - Hua Xiong
- 3 Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital , Chongqing , China
| | - Yongliang Han
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Shambhu Kumar Sah
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Chun Zeng
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Jingjie Wang
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Yongmei Li
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
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Sormani MP, Pardini M. Assessing Repair in Multiple Sclerosis: Outcomes for Phase II Clinical Trials. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:924-933. [PMID: 28695472 PMCID: PMC5722763 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pathology is complex and includes inflammatory processes, neurodegeneration, and demyelination. While multiple drugs have been developed to tackle MS-related inflammation, to date there is scant evidence regarding which therapeutic approach, if any, could be used to reverse demyelination, foster tissue repair, and thus positively impact on chronic disability. Here, we reviewed the current structural and functional markers (magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, optical coherence tomography, and visual evoked potentials) which could be used in phase II clinical trials of new compounds aimed to foster tissue repair in MS. Magnetic transfer ratio recovery in newly formed lesions currently represents the most widely used biomarker of tissue repair in MS, even if other markers, such as optical coherence tomography and positron emission tomography hold great promise to complement magnetic transfer ratio in tissue repair clinical trials. Future studies are needed to better characterize the different possible biomarkers to study tissue repair in MS, especially regarding their pathological specificity, sensitivity to change, and their relationship with disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Sormani
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Policlinic San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
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Ernst A, Sourty M, Roquet D, Noblet V, Gounot D, Blanc F, de Seze J, Manning L. Benefits from an autobiographical memory facilitation programme in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: a clinical and neuroimaging study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2016; 28:1110-1130. [PMID: 27718890 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2016.1240697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
While the efficacy of mental visual imagery (MVI) to alleviate autobiographical memory (AM) impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has been documented, nothing is known about the brain changes sustaining that improvement. To explore this issue, 20 relapsing-remitting MS patients showing AM impairment were randomly assigned to two groups, experimental (n = 10), who underwent the MVI programme, and control (n = 10), who followed a sham verbal programme. Besides the stringent AM assessment, the patients underwent structural and functional MRI sessions, consisting in retrieving personal memories, within a pre-/post-facilitation study design. Only the experimental group showed a significant AM improvement in post-facilitation, accompanied by changes in brain activation (medial and lateral frontal regions), functional connectivity (posterior brain regions), and grey matter volume (parahippocampal gyrus). Minor activations and functional connectivity changes were observed in the control group. The MVI programme improved AM in MS patients leading to functional and structural changes reflecting (1) an increase reliance on brain regions sustaining a self-referential process; (2) a decrease of those reflecting an effortful research process; and (3) better use of neural resources in brain regions sustaining MVI. Functional changes reported in the control group likely reflected ineffective attempts to use the sham strategy in AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ernst
- a Cognitive Neuropsychology and Physiopathology of Schizophrenia (INSERM UMR 1114) , University of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Marion Sourty
- b ICube (CNRS UMR 7357) , University of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS) , Strasbourg , France
| | - Daniel Roquet
- b ICube (CNRS UMR 7357) , University of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS) , Strasbourg , France
| | - Vincent Noblet
- b ICube (CNRS UMR 7357) , University of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS) , Strasbourg , France
| | - Daniel Gounot
- b ICube (CNRS UMR 7357) , University of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS) , Strasbourg , France
| | - Frédéric Blanc
- b ICube (CNRS UMR 7357) , University of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS) , Strasbourg , France.,c Department of Neurology and Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche (CMRR) , University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,d Clinical Investigation Centre (CIC, INSERM 1434) , University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Jérôme de Seze
- c Department of Neurology and Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche (CMRR) , University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,d Clinical Investigation Centre (CIC, INSERM 1434) , University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Liliann Manning
- a Cognitive Neuropsychology and Physiopathology of Schizophrenia (INSERM UMR 1114) , University of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
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Hämäläinen P, Rosti-Otajärvi E. Cognitive impairment in MS: rehabilitation approaches. Acta Neurol Scand 2016; 134 Suppl 200:8-13. [PMID: 27580900 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits have been reported in 45%-70% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Like other symptoms of MS, cognitive deficits are highly variable. Slowed information processing and memory and learning dysfunction are regarded as the most frequent cognitive deficits in MS. Both white and gray matter damages have been suggested to contribute to cognitive impairments in MS. There is no direct relationship between cognitive deficits and physical disability, disease duration or course of the disease. In addition to cognitive impairments, neuropsychiatric symptoms are observed in MS, the most common being alterations in mood state. Neurobehavioral deficits have multidimensional effects on the activities of daily living and quality of life. Consequently, attention should be paid to early diagnosis and treatment. Based on studies on cognitive retraining and more multimodal neuropsychological rehabilitation, both approaches show promise in the treatment of cognitive impairments and their harmful effects. This review introduces the frequency and characteristics of cognitive impairments, as well as main findings on the effects of neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Hämäläinen
- Masku Neurological Rehabilitation Centre; Masku Finland
| | - E. Rosti-Otajärvi
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation; Tampere University Hospital; Tampere Finland
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Ernst A, Sourty M, Roquet D, Noblet V, Gounot D, Blanc F, De Seze J, Manning L. Functional and structural cerebral changes in key brain regions after a facilitation programme for episodic future thought in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Brain Cogn 2016; 105:34-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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40
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D'Amico E, Leone C, Hayrettin T, Patti F. Can we define a rehabilitation strategy for cognitive impairment in progressive multiple sclerosis? A critical appraisal. Mult Scler 2016; 22:581-9. [PMID: 26920381 DOI: 10.1177/1352458516632066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CI) has been shown to be severe in patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and the most frequently impaired domains are sustained attention, information processing speed, memory, and executive functions. In contrast to relapsing forms of MS, where studies have shown favorable results from cognitive rehabilitation, there is a lack of data on cognitive rehabilitation in progressive forms of MS. A specific approach in assessing CI and in designing and administering rehabilitation training for patients with progressive forms of MS is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tumani Hayrettin
- Klinik und PoliklinikfürNeurologie der Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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41
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Faivre A, Robinet E, Guye M, Rousseau C, Maarouf A, Le Troter A, Zaaraoui W, Rico A, Crespy L, Soulier E, Confort-Gouny S, Pelletier J, Achard S, Ranjeva JP, Audoin B. Depletion of brain functional connectivity enhancement leads to disability progression in multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal resting-state fMRI study. Mult Scler 2016; 22:1695-1708. [PMID: 26838014 DOI: 10.1177/1352458516628657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The compensatory effect of brain functional connectivity enhancement in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To characterize the relationships between brain functional connectivity changes and disability progression in RRMS. METHODS Long-range connectivity, short-range connectivity, and density of connections were assessed using graph theoretical analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired in 38 RRMS patients (disease duration: 120 ± 32 months) and 24 controls. All subjects were explored at baseline and all patients and six controls 2 years later. RESULTS At baseline, levels of long-range and short-range brain functional connectivity were higher in patients compared to controls. During the follow-up, decrease in connections' density was inversely correlated with disability progression. Post-hoc analysis evidenced differential evolution of brain functional connectivity metrics in patients according to their level of disability at baseline: while patients with lowest disability at baseline experienced an increase in all connectivity metrics during the follow-up, patients with higher disability at baseline showed a decrease in the connectivity metrics. In these patients, decrease in the connectivity metrics was associated with disability progression. CONCLUSION The study provides two main findings: (1) brain functional connectivity enhancement decreases during the disease course after reaching a maximal level, and (2) decrease in brain functional connectivity enhancement participates in disability progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Faivre
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France/Service de Neurologie, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Sainte-Anne, Toulon, France
| | - Emmanuelle Robinet
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France/Service de Neurologie, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Guye
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France/CEMEREM, Pôle d'Imagerie Médicale, APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Celia Rousseau
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Adil Maarouf
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Le Troter
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Wafaa Zaaraoui
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Rico
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France/Service de Neurologie, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Lydie Crespy
- Service de Neurologie, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Elisabeth Soulier
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Sylviane Confort-Gouny
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Pelletier
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France/Service de Neurologie, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jean-Philippe Ranjeva
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Bertrand Audoin
- CRMBM UMR AMU 7339, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France/Service de Neurologie, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
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Hata M, Kazui H, Tanaka T, Ishii R, Canuet L, Pascual-Marqui RD, Aoki Y, Ikeda S, Kanemoto H, Yoshiyama K, Iwase M, Takeda M. Functional connectivity assessed by resting state EEG correlates with cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s disease – An eLORETA study. Clin Neurophysiol 2016; 127:1269-1278. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Resting-State fMRI in MS: General Concepts and Brief Overview of Its Application. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:212693. [PMID: 26413509 PMCID: PMC4564590 DOI: 10.1155/2015/212693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Brain functional connectivity (FC) is defined as the coherence in the activity between cerebral areas under a task or in the resting-state (RS). By applying functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), RS FC shows several patterns which define RS brain networks (RSNs) involved in specific functions, because brain function is known to depend not only on the activity within individual regions, but also on the functional interaction of different areas across the whole brain. Region-of-interest analysis and independent component analysis are the two most commonly applied methods for RS investigation. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by multiple lesions mainly affecting the white matter, determining both structural and functional disconnection between various areas of the central nervous system. The study of RS FC in MS is mainly aimed at understanding alterations in the intrinsic functional architecture of the brain and their role in disease progression and clinical impairment. In this paper, we will examine the results obtained by the application of RS fMRI in different multiple sclerosis (MS) phenotypes and the correlations of FC changes with clinical features in this pathology. The knowledge of RS FC changes may represent a substantial step forward in the MS research field, both for clinical and therapeutic purposes.
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Mitolo M, Venneri A, Wilkinson ID, Sharrack B. Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. J Neurol Sci 2015; 354:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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45
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Prosperini L, Piattella MC, Giannì C, Pantano P. Functional and Structural Brain Plasticity Enhanced by Motor and Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:481574. [PMID: 26064692 PMCID: PMC4438192 DOI: 10.1155/2015/481574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation is recognized to be important in ameliorating motor and cognitive functions, reducing disease burden, and improving quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this systematic review, we summarize the existing evidences that motor and cognitive rehabilitation may enhance functional and structural brain plasticity in patients with MS, as assessed by means of the most advanced neuroimaging techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging and task-related and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In most cases, the rehabilitation program was based on computer-assisted/video game exercises performed in either an outpatient or home setting. Despite their heterogeneity, all the included studies describe changes in white matter microarchitecture, in task-related activation, and/or in functional connectivity following both task-oriented and selective training. When explored, relevant correlation between improved function and MRI-detected brain changes was often found, supporting the hypothesis that training-induced brain plasticity is specifically linked to the trained domain. Small sample sizes, lack of randomization and/or an active control group, as well as missed relationship between MRI-detected changes and clinical performance, are the major drawbacks of the selected studies. Knowledge gaps in this field of research are also discussed to provide a framework for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Prosperini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Piattella
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Giannì
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pantano
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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46
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Bisecco A, Rocca MA, Pagani E, Mancini L, Enzinger C, Gallo A, Vrenken H, Stromillo ML, Copetti M, Thomas DL, Fazekas F, Tedeschi G, Barkhof F, Stefano ND, Filippi M. Connectivity-based parcellation of the thalamus in multiple sclerosis and its implications for cognitive impairment: A multicenter study. Hum Brain Mapp 2015; 36:2809-25. [PMID: 25873194 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In this multicenter study, we performed a tractography-based parcellation of the thalamus and its white matter connections to investigate the relationship between thalamic connectivity abnormalities and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dual-echo, morphological and diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected from 52 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 57 healthy controls from six European centers. Patients underwent an extensive neuropsychological assessment. Thalamic connectivity defined regions (CDRs) were segmented based on their cortical connectivity using diffusion tractography-based parcellation. Between-group differences of CDRs and cortico-thalamic tracts DT MRI indices were assessed. A vertex analysis of thalamic shape was also performed. A random forest analysis was run to identify the best imaging predictor of global cognitive impairment and deficits of specific cognitive domains. Twenty-two (43%) MS patients were cognitively impaired (CI). Compared to cognitively preserved, CI MS patients had increased fractional anisotropy of frontal, motor, postcentral and occipital connected CDRs (0.002<P<0.02). They also experienced more pronounced atrophy in anterior thalamic regions and abnormal DT MRI indices of all cortico-thalamic tracts. Damage of specific cortico-thalamic tracts explained global cognitive dysfunction and impairment of selected cognitive domains better than all other MRI variables. Thalamic CDR DT MRI abnormalities were correlated with abnormalities of the corresponding cortico-thalamic tracts. Cortico-thalamic disconnection is, at various levels, implicated in cognitive dysfunction in MS. Thalamic involvement in CI MS patients is likely related to gray matter rather than white matter damage of thalamic subregions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvino Bisecco
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,I Division of Neurology, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,MRI Center "SUN-FISM," Second University of Naples and Institute of Diagnosis and Care "Hermitage-Capodimonte,", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pagani
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Mancini
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Antonio Gallo
- I Division of Neurology, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,MRI Center "SUN-FISM," Second University of Naples and Institute of Diagnosis and Care "Hermitage-Capodimonte,", Naples, Italy
| | - Hugo Vrenken
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, MS Centre Amsterdam, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Massimiliano Copetti
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - David L Thomas
- Neuroradiological Academic Unit, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Franz Fazekas
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gioacchino Tedeschi
- I Division of Neurology, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,MRI Center "SUN-FISM," Second University of Naples and Institute of Diagnosis and Care "Hermitage-Capodimonte,", Naples, Italy
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, MS Centre Amsterdam, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Neurological and Behavioral Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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47
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Schoonheim MM, Meijer KA, Geurts JJG. Network collapse and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2015; 6:82. [PMID: 25926813 PMCID: PMC4396388 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Kim A Meijer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands
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Chiaravalloti ND, Genova HM, DeLuca J. Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: the role of plasticity. Front Neurol 2015; 6:67. [PMID: 25883585 PMCID: PMC4383043 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are common in multiple sclerosis (MS), documented at many stages of the disease. Both structural and functional neuroimaging have demonstrated a relationship with cognitive abilities in MS. Significant neuroplasticity of cognitive functions in individuals with MS is evident. Homologous region adaptation, local activation expansion, and extra-region recruitment all occur in an effort to maintain cognitive functioning. While much of this neuroplasticity is adaptive, it may also be maladaptive, particularly in individuals that are demonstrating significant cognitive impairment and/or with disease progression. This maladaptive neuroplasticity may come at the cost of other cognitive functions. Studies of cognitive rehabilitation efficacy have also recently applied neuroimaging techniques to establish outcome. Researchers have successfully applied various neuroimaging techniques to study the effects of cognitive rehabilitation in MS including task-based fMRI and resting state functional connectivity across multiple realms of cognition including episodic memory, executive functioning, attention, and processing speed. These studies have demonstrated neuroplasticity in the brains of persons with MS through the documentation of changes at the level of the cerebral substrate from before to after non-invasive, non-pharmacological, behavioral treatment for deficits in cognition. Future research should seek to identify adaptive versus maladaptive neuroplasticity associated with specific cognitive rehabilitation programs within all MS phenotypes to foster the validation of the most effective cognitive rehabilitation interventions for persons with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy D Chiaravalloti
- Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Kessler Foundation , West Orange, NJ , USA ; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School , Newark, NJ , USA
| | - Helen M Genova
- Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Kessler Foundation , West Orange, NJ , USA ; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School , Newark, NJ , USA
| | - John DeLuca
- Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Kessler Foundation , West Orange, NJ , USA ; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School , Newark, NJ , USA ; Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School , Newark, NJ , USA
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Enzinger C, Fazekas F. Measuring Gray Matter and White Matter Damage in MS: Why This is Not Enough. Front Neurol 2015; 6:56. [PMID: 25852635 PMCID: PMC4362212 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria ; Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - Franz Fazekas
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
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50
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Mattioli F, Stampatori C, Bellomi F, Danni M, Compagnucci L, Uccelli A, Pardini M, Santuccio G, Fregonese G, Pattini M, Allegri B, Clerici R, Lattuada A, Montomoli C, Corso B, Capra R. A RCT Comparing Specific Intensive Cognitive Training to Aspecific Psychological Intervention in RRMS: The SMICT Study. Front Neurol 2015; 5:278. [PMID: 25628596 PMCID: PMC4292447 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2014.00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS) resulted to be effective compared to no treatment. So far the possible role of an aspecific psychological intervention on cognition has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE The aim of the SMICT RCT was to compare the efficacy of a specific cognitive training with an aspecific psychological intervention in relapsing-remitting MS patients. METHODS From a sample of 150 patients, with the same disability and immunomodulatory therapy, submitted to neuropsychological examination, 45 impaired in at least one test were included and 41 randomized to have either a specific cognitive training for the impaired function (22) or to an aspecific psychological intervention (19) for 4 months, starting after baseline examination. Neuropsychological tests and functional scales were administered at baseline and 1 year later. RESULTS After 1 year, the mean number of pathological tests was significantly lower in the specific treatment group, compared to the aspecific group. Memory and attention/speeded information processing functions were mostly improved. Depression and quality of life were not different between groups at follow up. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that an intensive and domain specific cognitive approach results to be more effective than aspecific psychological intervention in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Mattioli
- Neuropsychology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia , Brescia , Italy
| | | | - Fabio Bellomi
- Neuropsychology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia , Brescia , Italy
| | - Maura Danni
- Clinica Neurologica, University of Ancona , Ancona , Italy
| | | | - Antonio Uccelli
- Clinica Neurologica, MS Center, University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Clinica Neurologica, MS Center, University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Santuccio
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Valtellina Valchiavenna , Sondrio , Italy
| | - Giuditta Fregonese
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Valtellina Valchiavenna , Sondrio , Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Cristina Montomoli
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Pavia University , Pavia , Italy
| | - Barbara Corso
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Pavia University , Pavia , Italy
| | - Ruggero Capra
- MS Center, Spedali Civili di Brescia , Brescia , Italy
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