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Maggi G, Altieri M, Risi M, Rippa V, Borgo RM, Sacco R, Buonanno D, D'Ambrosio A, Bisecco A, Santangelo G, Gallo A. Vocabulary knowledge as a reliable proxy of cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis: a validation study. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:3931-3938. [PMID: 38418663 PMCID: PMC11254959 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07388-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study aimed to explore the suitability of the vocabulary knowledge (VOC) test as an accurate and reliable proxy of cognitive reserve (CR) by evaluating its psychometric properties and discrimination accuracy compared with other CR measures in multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS Sixty-eight consecutive people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), followed at our MS outpatient clinic, completed a clinical evaluation and neuropsychological assessment including: VOC, Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N), Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq), Beck Depression Inventory-II, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Reliability, convergent and divergent validity, and discrimination accuracy of the VOC were assessed using educational level as reference standard. The possible effects of sociodemographic and clinical factors on VOC and their role in predicting global cognitive status were also explored. RESULTS VOC demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.894) and adequate construct validity. It showed an acceptable level of discrimination between pwMS with high and low CR, comparable to the CRIq score. Education strongly affected VOC scores, which in turn were independent of MS features. VOC emerged as an independent predictor of global cognitive status together with MS-related disability. CONCLUSION We demonstrated the validity of VOC as a reliable CR measure in pwMS. Thus, CR may also be estimated using fixed objective measures, independent of brain pathology and clinical features. Early CR estimation may help clinicians identify pwMS at a higher risk of cognitive decline and plan strict neuropsychological monitoring and cognitive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpaolo Maggi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Manuela Altieri
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
| | - Mario Risi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Rippa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Maria Borgo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Sacco
- Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Buonanno
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro D'Ambrosio
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alvino Bisecco
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Santangelo
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Gallo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Stein C, O'Keeffe F, Strahan O, McGuigan C, Bramham J. Systematic review of cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis: Accounting for physical disability, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:105017. [PMID: 37806233 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105017] [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] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve (CR) describes an individual's ability to adapt cognitive processes in response to brain atrophy, and has been reported to explain some of the discrepancy between brain atrophy and cognitive functioning outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). CR in MS is typically investigated by assessing an individual's pre- and/or post-diagnosis enrichment, which includes premorbid intellectual abilities, educational level, occupational attainment, and engagement in cognitively enriching leisure activities. Common MS symptoms (e.g., physical disability, fatigue, depression, anxiety) may impact an individual's ability to engage in various CR-enhancing activities post-diagnosis. It is unknown to what extent these MS symptoms have been taken into account in MS research on CR. As such, we identified whether studies assessed CR using measures of premorbid or continuous (including post-diagnosis) enrichment. For studies investigating continuous enrichment, we identified whether studies accounted for MS-impact, which MS symptoms were accounted for, and how, and whether studies acknowledged MS symptoms as potential CR-confounds. METHODS Three electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus) were searched. Eligible studies investigated CR proxies (e.g., estimated premorbid intellectual abilities, vocabulary knowledge, educational level, occupational attainment, cognitively enriching leisure activities, or a combination thereof) in relation to cognitive, brain atrophy or connectivity, or daily functioning outcomes in adult participants with MS. We extracted data on methods and measures used, including any MS symptoms taken into account. Objectives were addressed using frequency analyses and narrative synthesis. RESULTS 115 studies were included in this review. 47.8% of all studies investigated continuous enrichment. Approximately half of the studies investigating continuous enrichment accounted for potential MS-impact in their analyses, with only 31.0% clearly identifying that they treated MS symptoms as potential confounds for CR-enhancement. A narrative synthesis of studies which investigated CR with and without controlling statistically for MS-impact indicated that accounting for MS symptoms may impact findings concerning the protective nature of CR. CONCLUSION Fewer than half of the studies investigating CR proxies in MS involved continuous enrichment. Just over half of these studies accounted for potential MS-impact in their analyses. To achieve a more complete and accurate understanding of CR in MS, future research should investigate both pre-MS and continuous enrichment. In doing so, MS symptoms and their potential impact should be considered. Establishing greater consistency and rigour across CR research in MS will be crucial to produce an evidence base for the development of interventions aimed at improving quality of care and life for pwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Stein
- University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Fiadhnait O'Keeffe
- University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Orla Strahan
- University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Christopher McGuigan
- University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jessica Bramham
- University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Maffezzini S, Pucci V, Riccardi A, Montemurro S, Puthenparampil M, Perini P, Rinaldi F, Gallo P, Arcara G, Mondini S. Clinical Profiles in Multiple Sclerosis: Cognitive Reserve and Motor Impairment along Disease Duration. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:708. [PMID: 37753986 PMCID: PMC10525733 DOI: 10.3390/bs13090708] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(i) Background: Cognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been studied in relation to certain clinical variables (e.g., motor disability and disease duration) and lifestyle factors such as cognitive reserve (CR). However, only very few studies have considered the interaction of clinical variables and cognitive reserve in preserving the integrity of the neuropsychological profile. In this paper, we hypothesised that a higher level of CR might predict good cognitive efficiency by modulating the clinical outcome of the disease. (ii) Methods: A sample of 100 participants with MS (age range 30-74), was recruited and assessed remotely with a questionnaire to measure CR and a cognitive screening test. Data were analysed through generalized additive models. (iii) Results: We found that the model analysing the interaction between CR and disease duration, and between CR and motor disability, was able to explain a significant percentage of cognitive performance. In particular, higher levels of CR predicted a better cognitive performance despite a long disease duration, unless the motor disability was severe. (iv) Conclusion: This study highlights the crucial role of CR in modulating cognitive efficiency in people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Maffezzini
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University-Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (P.P.); (F.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Veronica Pucci
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Human Inspired Technology Centre (HIT), University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Riccardi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University-Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (P.P.); (F.R.); (P.G.)
| | | | - Marco Puthenparampil
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University-Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (P.P.); (F.R.); (P.G.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Perini
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University-Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (P.P.); (F.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Francesca Rinaldi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University-Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (P.P.); (F.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University-Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (P.P.); (F.R.); (P.G.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Arcara
- IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, 30126 Venice, Italy; (S.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Sara Mondini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Human Inspired Technology Centre (HIT), University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy
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Tranfa M, Iuzzolino VV, Perrella P, Carotenuto A, Pontillo G, Moccia M, Cocozza S, Elefante A, Lanzillo R, Brunetti A, Brescia Morra V, Petracca M. Exploring the relation between reserve and fatigue in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 76:104842. [PMID: 37392716 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104842] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intellectual enrichment and brain reserve modulate the expression of cognitive and motor disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Their association with fatigue, one of the most debilitating and common symptoms of MS, has never been explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight MS patients underwent clinical and MRI examination at baseline and after 1 year. Physical and cognitive MS-related fatigue were evaluated via Modified Fatigue Impact subscales (MFIS-P and MFIS-C). Differences in reserve indexes between fatigued and non-fatigued patients were tested. The relationship between clinico-demographic features, global brain structural damage, indexes of reserve (age-adjusted intracranial volume and cognitive reserve index) and fatigue were tested via correlations and hierarchical linear/binary logistic regression, to predict MFIS-P and MFIS-C (at baseline) or new-onset fatigue and meaningful worsening in MFIS (at follow-up). RESULTS At baseline, although a significant difference was identified for cognitive reserve questionnaire between fatigued and non-fatigued patients (18.19 ± 4.76 versus 15.15 ± 3.56, p = 0.015), only depression accounted for significant variance in MFIS-P and MFIS-C (R2=0.248, p = 0.002; R2=0.252, p<0.001). MFIS-T, MFIS-P and MFIS-C changes over time were associated to depression changes over time (r = 0.56, r = 0.55, and r = 0.57, respectively; all p<0.001). Indexes of reserve did not differ between non-fatigued patients and patients developing new-onset fatigue at follow-up. None of the baseline features was able to predict the new-onset fatigue or meaningful worsening in MFIS at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Among the explored features, only depression was strongly associated to both physical and cognitive fatigue. Intellectual enrichment and brain reserve did not seem to affect fatigue symptoms in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Tranfa
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Virginia Iuzzolino
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Perrella
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pontillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences and Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy; Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marcello Moccia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Unit, AOU "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Andrea Elefante
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Petracca
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Contador I, Alzola P, Stern Y, de la Torre-Luque A, Bermejo-Pareja F, Fernández-Calvo B. Is cognitive reserve associated with the prevention of cognitive decline after stroke? A Systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 84:101814. [PMID: 36473672 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analyses of the effect of socio-behavioral cognitive reserve (CR) proxies on cognitive decline after stroke. METHOD Three journal search and indexing databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Sciences) were crossed to examine the scientific evidence systematically. In addition, meta-analytic techniques, using mixed-effect methods, were carried out to estimate the impact (pooled effect size) of CR proxies on either dementia incidence or cognitive decline after stroke. RESULTS Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic revision, whereas nineteen of them were eligible for the meta-analysis. The findings showed that high education is associated with a decreased rate of post-stroke dementia. Moreover, other CR proxies (e.g., occupation, bilingualism or social interaction) demonstrate a protective effect against non-dementia cognitive decline after stroke, although some inconsistencies were found in the literature. Regarding the meta-analysis, occupational attainment and education) showed a protective effect against post-stroke cognitive impairment diagnosis in comparison with a mixed category of different CR proxies. Second, a main cognitive change effect was found, pointing to greater cognitive change after stroke in those with low vs. high CR. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize that CR may prevent cognitive decline after stroke, but this effect can be modulated by different factors such the CR proxy and individual characteristics such as age or type of lesion. The methodological divergences of the studies (i.e., follow-up intervals, cognitive outcomes) need unification to diminish external sources of variability for predicting rates of cognitive decline after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Contador
- Department of Basic Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, University of Salamanca, Spain; 'Hospital del Mar' Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Patricia Alzola
- Department of Basic Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, University of Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Yaakov Stern
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, The Taub Institute, and Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, United States.
| | - Alejandro de la Torre-Luque
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Félix Bermejo-Pareja
- Research Institute (Imas12), University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain; The Biomedical Research Centre Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Bernardino Fernández-Calvo
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Spain.; Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain.
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Chitnis T, Vandercappellen J, King M, Brichetto G. Symptom Interconnectivity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review of Potential Underlying Biological Disease Processes. Neurol Ther 2022; 11:1043-1070. [PMID: 35680693 PMCID: PMC9338216 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-022-00368-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression, and pain are highly prevalent symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS). These often co-occur and may be explained by a common etiology. By reviewing existing literature, we aimed to identify potential underlying biological processes implicated in the interconnectivity between these symptoms. Methods A literature search was conducted to identify articles reporting research into the biological mechanisms responsible for the manifestation of fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression, and pain in MS. PubMed was used to search for articles published from July 2011 to July 2021. We reviewed and assessed findings from the literature to identify biological processes common to the symptoms of interest. Results Of 693 articles identified from the search, 252 were selected following screening of titles and abstracts and assessing reference lists of review articles. Four biological processes linked with two or more of the symptoms of interest were frequently identified from the literature: (1) direct neuroanatomical changes to brain regions linked with symptoms of interest (e.g., thalamic injury associated with cognitive impairment, fatigue, and depression), (2) pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with so-called ‘sickness behavior,’ including manifestation of fatigue, transient cognitive impairment, depression, and pain, (3) dysregulation of monoaminergic pathways leading to depressive symptoms and fatigue, and (4) hyperactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as a result of pro-inflammatory cytokines promoting the release of brain noradrenaline, serotonin, and tryptophan, which is associated with symptoms of depression and cognitive impairment. Conclusion The co-occurrence of fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression, and pain in MS appears to be associated with a common set of etiological factors, namely neuroanatomical changes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, dysregulation of monoaminergic pathways, and a hyperactive HPA axis. This association of symptoms and biological processes has important implications for disease management strategies and, eventually, could help find a common therapeutic pathway that will impact both inflammation and neuroprotection. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-022-00368-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanuja Chitnis
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | | | - Miriam King
- Novartis Pharma AG, Fabrikstrasse 12-2, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla Rehabilitation Center, Via Operai, 30, 16149, Genoa, GE, Italy
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Nogueira J, Gerardo B, Santana I, Simões MR, Freitas S. The Assessment of Cognitive Reserve: A Systematic Review of the Most Used Quantitative Measurement Methods of Cognitive Reserve for Aging. Front Psychol 2022; 13:847186. [PMID: 35465541 PMCID: PMC9023121 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.847186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The cognitive reserve (CR) is widely accepted as the active ability to cope with brain damage, using preexisting cognitive and compensatory processes. The common CR proxies used are the number of formal years of education, intelligence quotient (IQ) or premorbid functioning, occupation attainment, and participation in leisure activities. More recently, it has employed the level of literacy and engagement in high-level cognitive demand of professional activities. This study aims to identify and summarize published methodologies to assess the CR quantitatively. We searched for published studies on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science between September 2018 and September 2021. We only included those studies that characterized the CR assessment methodology. The search strategy identified 1,285 publications, of which 25 were included. Most of the instruments targeted proxies individually. The lack of a gold standard tool that incorporates all proxies and cognitive tests highlights the need to develop a more holistic battery for the quantitative assessment of CR. Further studies should focus on a quantitative methodology that includes all these proxies supported by normative data to improve the use of CR as a valid measure in clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Nogueira
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory (PsyAssessmentLab), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bianca Gerardo
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory (PsyAssessmentLab), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Geobiotec Research Centre, Department of Geosciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Santana
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mário R. Simões
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory (PsyAssessmentLab), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Freitas
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory (PsyAssessmentLab), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
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García-Moreno JA, Cañadas-Pérez F, García-García J, Roldan-Tapia MD. Cognitive Reserve and Anxiety Interactions Play a Fundamental Role in the Response to the Stress. Front Psychol 2021; 12:673596. [PMID: 34539485 PMCID: PMC8446200 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.673596] [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: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to assess the possible interaction between Cognitive Reserve (CR) and State Anxiety (SA) on adrenocortical and physiological responses in coping situations. Forty healthy, middle-aged men completed the Cognitive Reserve Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. We used an Observational Fear Conditioning (OFC) paradigm in order to assess emotional learning and to induce stress. Electrodermal activity (EDA) and salivary cortisol concentrations were measured throughout the conditions. Our results indicate that those who indicated having higher state anxiety showed a lower capacity for learning the contingency, along with presenting higher salivary cortisol peak response following the observational fear-conditioning paradigm. The most prominent finding was the interaction between cognitive reserve and state anxiety on cortisol response to the post observational fear-conditioning paradigm. Thus, those who showed a high anxiety-state and, at the same time, a high cognitive reserve did not present an increased salivary cortisol response following the observational fear-conditioning paradigm. Given these results, we postulate that the state anxiety reported by participants, reflects emotional activation that hinders the attention needed to process and associate emotional stimuli. However, cognitive reserve has an indirect relation with conditioning, enabling better emotional learning. In this context, cognitive reserve demonstrated a protective effect on hormonal response in coping situations, when reported anxiety or emotional activation were high. These findings suggest that cognitive reserve could be used as a tool to deal with the effects of stressors in life situations, limiting development of the allostatic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A García-Moreno
- CERNEP Research Center, University of Almeria, Almería, Spain.,CEINSAUAL Research Center, University of Almeria, Almería, Spain
| | - Fernando Cañadas-Pérez
- CERNEP Research Center, University of Almeria, Almería, Spain.,CEINSAUAL Research Center, University of Almeria, Almería, Spain
| | | | - María D Roldan-Tapia
- CERNEP Research Center, University of Almeria, Almería, Spain.,CEINSAUAL Research Center, University of Almeria, Almería, Spain
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Association between symbol digit modalities test and regional cortex thickness in young adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2021; 207:106805. [PMID: 34280674 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106805] [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: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, predominating within young adults. Cognitive disorders are common in MS and have are associated with several Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) markers, especially brain atrophy. Many have found the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) to be the most sensitive individual cognitive measure relevant to MS. However, the relationship between SDMT and regional brain cortex thickness in young adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (YA-RRMS) has been little explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the SDMT and regional cortex thickness in YA-RRMS by FreeSurfer, which is an automatic brain structure segmentation method. METHOD Twenty-eight YA-RRMS patients (18-35 years old) were enrolled in the present study. Informed consent and information including gender, age, disease duration, number of relapses, annual relapse rate was collected from all patients. Clinical cognitive evaluations (SDMT and auditory verbal learning test (AVLT)) and daily performance: activities of daily living (ADL) were assessed in the present study. MRI scans were performed at the Institute of Neurosurgery of Tiantan Hospital. Twenty-eight matched healthy controls (HC) MRI data were obtained from Tiantan Hospital database. Data on thirty-four points of bilateral cortical structure thickness using statistically defined brain regions-of-interest from FreeSurfer were obtained from all participants. RESULTS Patients with RRMS exhibited extensively thinner cerebellar cortex compared with HC. SDMT scores were significantly correlated with AVLT subentries (IM, immediate memory; DRM, delayed recall memory; LTRM, long-term recognition memory) in YA-RRMS patients (P < 0.05). SDMT was strongly correlated with regional cortex thickness differences of the right temporal pole (r = 0.68) and bilateral parahippocampal areas (right r = 0.62; left r = 0.60), and moderately correlated with regional cortex thickness differences including the left superior temporal and right insula (r = 0.57 and 0.56, respectively) in YA-RRMS patients. CONCLUSION The present study has shown the SDMT is strongly correlated with selected cortex regions including the bilateral parahippocampal area and the right temporal pole which are involved in geometric structures processing.
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Machado R, Lima C, d'Almeida OC, Afonso A, Macário C, Castelo-Branco M, Sousa L, Santana I, Batista S. Protective effects of cognitive and brain reserve in multiple sclerosis: Differential roles on social cognition and 'classic cognition'. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 48:102716. [PMID: 33421706 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102716] [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: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to cognitive reserve (CR) and brain reserve (BR) theories, lifetime intellectual enrichment and maximal brain volume protect against cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of CR and BR on social cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS), and compare it with 'classic cognition'. METHODS We included 60 MS patients and 60 healthy controls matched on age, sex, and education. Education was used has a proxy of CR and intracranial volume (ICV) as a proxy of BR. Participants underwent Theory of Mind (ToM) testing (Eyes Test, Videos Test), comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and 3Tesla brain MRI. Cortical and subcortical grey matter (GM) volumes were calculated. RESULTS We found positive effects of education and ICV on general cognitive status and ToM performance, respectively. Higher education moderated the impact of subcortical GM atrophy on 'classic' cognitive status (R2=0.219, p=<0.001). Conversely, greater ICV attenuated the impact of cortical GM atrophy on Eyes Test (R2=0.158, p=0.002) and Videos Test (R2=0.198, p=0.001). Stratification for disease duration showed that the protective effect of education/ICV occurred in early stages of disease (<10 years). CONCLUSION CR and BR have differential protective roles in MS, with BR having a positive effect on social cognition and CR on 'classic' cognitive domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Machado
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Lima
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Otília C d'Almeida
- Visual Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC). IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Afonso
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carmo Macário
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Visual Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC). IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lívia Sousa
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Santana
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC). IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sónia Batista
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Herden L, Weissert R. The Effect of Coffee and Caffeine Consumption on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12082262. [PMID: 32731633 PMCID: PMC7468779 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Coffee and caffeine are considered to have beneficial effects in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that can lead to disability and chronic fatigue. Methods: In the present study the preference in terms of coffee and caffeine consumption in patients with MS was assessed. In total the opinions of 124 MS patients were explored with a questionnaire, which was developed to investigate the consumption behavior and associated beneficial and harmful effects of coffee and caffeine concerning symptoms of fatigue. Results: Our study showed that 37.1% of the included patients experience severe symptoms of fatigue. In our cohort, fatigue was not related to age, type of diagnosis or duration of the disease. The effects of coffee did not differ between MS patients with and without fatigue. Very few side effects linked to coffee consumption were reported, and we could demonstrate that coffee consumption had no negative impact on quality of sleep. A positive effect on everyday life was observed particularly among patients with a mid-level expanded disability status scale (EDSS). The strongest effects of coffee consumption were observed regarding a better ability to concentrate while fulfilling tasks, an expanded attention span and a better structured daily routine. Conclusions: Since coffee showed no severe side effects and in the absence of an effective fatigue therapy, coffee consumption might be a therapeutic approach for selected patients with MS-related fatigue.
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12
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Artemiadis A, Bakirtzis C, Ifantopoulou P, Zis P, Bargiotas P, Grigoriadis N, Hadjigeorgiou G. The role of cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study in 526 patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 41:102047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Andravizou A, Siokas V, Artemiadis A, Bakirtzis C, Aloizou AM, Grigoriadis N, Kosmidis MH, Nasios G, Messinis L, Hadjigeorgiou G, Dardiotis E, Peristeri E. Clinically reliable cognitive decline in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: Is it the tip of the iceberg? Neurol Res 2020; 42:575-586. [PMID: 32427076 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1761175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis, but the brain MRI correlates in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis remain controversial. The current study aimed to investigate whether cognitive decline can be predicted by global and/or regional brain atrophy. METHODS Sixty-three patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (36 men, mean age 39.9 ± 9.4 years old, mean EDSS 1.4 ± 1.2, mean disease duration 4.9 ± 4.3 years) and 46 healthy controls (21 men, mean age 37.5 ± 10.8 years old) were included. Demographic data were obtained, and a longitudinal neuropsychological and global and regional MRI brain volume assessment was performed. RESULTS The patients performed worse than controls in most neuropsychological tests at baseline. The percentage of patients with clinically meaningful cognitive decline ranged from only 0% to 7.9%. Statistically significant volume reduction was found for all MRI measures except for the left accumbens nucleus. Whole or regional brain atrophy ranged from -0.02% to -0.25%, with subcortical structures showing the largest atrophy rates. A total of 22.2% to 93.7% patients showed atrophy across the brain structures assessed volumetrically. DISCUSSION It was regional rather than whole-brain changes that significantly predicted cognitive decline for the patients in the tasks that tested processing speed, visuo-spatial and inhibition skills. The overall data suggest that the progression of cognitive impairment in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis as captured by conventional neuropsychological testing is the tip of the iceberg of neurodegenerative sequelae in the disease. Also, regional volumetric changes are better than whole-brain atrophy at predicting cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Andravizou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa , Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasileios Siokas
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa , Larissa, Greece
| | - Artemios Artemiadis
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Cyprus , Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athina-Maria Aloizou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa , Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mary H Kosmidis
- Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigorios Nasios
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, University of Ioannina , Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Hadjigeorgiou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa , Larissa, Greece.,Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Cyprus , Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa , Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Peristeri
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa , Larissa, Greece
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Messinis L, Kosmidis MH, Nasios G, Konitsiotis S, Ntoskou A, Bakirtzis C, Grigoriadis N, Patrikelis P, Panagiotopoulos E, Gourzis P, Malefaki S, Papathanasopoulos P. Do Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis patients benefit from Computer- based cognitive neurorehabilitation? A randomized sham controlled trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 39:101932. [PMID: 31927200 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.101932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but deficits tend to be more pronounced in progressive MS, negatively impacting daily functional capacity. Despite this, most cognitive rehabilitation (CR) interventions to date have focused on relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Moreover, information on the efficacy of CR in progressive MS is limited and controversial. The present study investigated the efficacy of a home based, computer assisted cognitive rehabilitation (HBCACR) intervention (RehaComTM software) exclusively in a Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) sample. METHODS This was a randomized, multi site, sham controlled trial. Thirty six (36) individuals with SPMS, naïve to the RehaCom software, with cognitive deficits were randomized to the treatment (IG; n= 19) or control group condition (CG; n=17). Treatment with the RehaCom modules consisted of 24 domain and task specific, 45 minute session's over an 8-week period, three sessions per week, applied by each patient at home. The CG completed non specific computer based activities at home with the same frequency and duration. Primary cognitive outcome measures included the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) battery, and secondary outcome measures for depression (BDI-FS), fatigue (MFIS), and quality of life (EuroQol EQ-5D) visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS The two groups were well matched on demographic and clinical characteristics, cognitive reserve and severity of cognitive deficits at baseline assessment. At post treatment assessment the IG group showed significant improvements with large effect sizes; in verbal learning [z = -4.759, p <.0005, g = 2.898], visuospatial memory [z = -3.940, p <.0005, g = 1.699] and information processing speed [z= -4.792, p <.0005, g = 2.980], compared with the sham control group. We also found significant between group differences on physical [z=-3.308, p = .001, g= -.604], cognitive [z = -4.011, p <.0005, g = -1.654], psychosocial [z= 3.308, p = .010, g = -.940], and general fatigue impact [z= -2.623, p = .008, g = -.519], depression severity [z = -2.730, p = .006, g = -.519], and quality of life [z= -4.239, p <.0005, g = -1.885] in favor of the treated group. CONCLUSION These data provide the first evidence supporting the efficacy of computer based restorative cognitive rehabilitation applied at home exclusively in SPMS patients, suggesting that adaptive neuroplasticity may occur after functional cognitive training in progressive MS. Improved cognitive functioning in combination with mood augmentation appear to have ameliorated fatigue, which impacted daily functioning activity and culminated in improved health related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lambros Messinis
- Neuropsychology Section, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Patras and University of Patras Medical School.
| | - Mary H Kosmidis
- Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigorios Nasios
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina
| | | | - Aikaterini Ntoskou
- Rehabilitation Unit for patients with Spinal Cord Injury, "Demetrios and Vera Sfikas" Department of Medicine, University of Patras Medical School
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- B'Department of Neurology and the MS Center, AHEPA University Hospital, Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- B'Department of Neurology and the MS Center, AHEPA University Hospital, Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panayiotis Patrikelis
- First Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Panagiotopoulos
- Rehabilitation Unit for patients with Spinal Cord Injury, "Demetrios and Vera Sfikas" Department of Medicine, University of Patras Medical School
| | | | - Sonia Malefaki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics, University of Patras (statistics)
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