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Rocca MA, Valsasina P, Romanò F, Tedone N, Amato MP, Brichetto G, Boccia VD, Chataway J, Chiaravalloti ND, Cutter G, Dalgas U, DeLuca J, Farrell RA, Feys P, Freeman J, Inglese M, Meza C, Motl RW, Salter A, Sandroff BM, Feinstein A, Filippi M. Cognitive rehabilitation effects on grey matter volume and Go-NoGo activity in progressive multiple sclerosis: results from the CogEx trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024:jnnp-2024-333460. [PMID: 38754979 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2024-333460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on cognitive rehabilitation (CR) and aerobic exercise (EX) to improve cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) remains limited. CogEx trial investigated the effectiveness of CR and EX in PMS: here, we present MRI substudy volumetric and task-related functional MRI (fMRI) findings. METHODS Participants were randomised to: 'CR plus EX', 'CR plus sham EX (EX-S)', 'EX plus sham CR (CR-S)' and 'CR-S plus EX-S' and attended 12-week intervention. All subjects performed physical/cognitive assessments at baseline, week 12 and 6 months post intervention (month 9). All MRI substudy participants underwent volumetric MRI and fMRI (Go-NoGo task). RESULTS 104 PMS enrolled at four sites participated in the CogEx MRI substudy; 84 (81%) had valid volumetric MRI and valid fMRI. Week 12/month 9 cognitive performances did not differ among interventions; however, 25-62% of the patients showed Symbol Digit Modalities Test improvements. Normalised cortical grey matter volume (NcGMV) changes at week 12 versus baseline were heterogeneous among interventions (p=0.05); this was mainly driven by increased NcGMV in 'CR plus EX-S' (p=0.02). Groups performing CR (ie, 'CR plus EX' and 'CR plus EX-S') exhibited increased NcGMV over time, especially in the frontal (p=0.01), parietal (p=0.04) and temporal (p=0.04) lobes, while those performing CR-S exhibited NcGMV decrease (p=0.008). In CR groups, increased NcGMV (r=0.36, p=0.01) at week 12 versus baseline correlated with increased California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT)-II scores. 'CR plus EX-S' patients exhibited Go-NoGo activity increase (p<0.05, corrected) at week 12 versus baseline in bilateral insula. CONCLUSIONS In PMS, CR modulated grey matter (GM) volume and insular activity. The association of GM and CVLT-II changes suggests GM plasticity contributes to cognitive improvements. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03679468.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Valsasina
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Romanò
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Tedone
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
- AISM Rehabilitation Service, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Daniele Boccia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Nancy D Chiaravalloti
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Gary Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ulrik Dalgas
- Exercise Biology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - John DeLuca
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rachel A Farrell
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Feys
- REVAL, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- University MS Center, Hasselt University, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Freeman
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Meza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert W Motl
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Amber Salter
- Department of Neurology, Section on Statistical Planning and Analysis, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Brian M Sandroff
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Anthony Feinstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Kabiri S, Jameie M, Balali P, Adib Moradi S, Sanjari Moghaddam H, Aghamollaii V, Harirchian MH. Trail Making Test Could Predict Impairment in Cognitive Domains in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Study of Diagnostic Accuracy. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGISTS 2023; 38:37-48. [PMID: 35901460 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairment (CI) and executive dysfunction (ED) are prevalent in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) is the gold standard neuropsychological battery (NPB) for detecting CI. Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) NPB evaluates ED. We aimed to find practical test(s) from DKEFS with acceptable diagnostic utility for early detection of impairment in cognitive and executive domains. METHODS Cognitive and executive tasks, physical disability, and depression scores of 30 PwMS were assessed (17 women, age: 38.1). Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) from MACFIMS and Trail Making Test (TMT), Design Fluency Test (DFT), and Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) from DKEFS were selected. The association between patients' characteristics and performance in tests, and diagnostic accuracy of DKEFS tests in detecting impairment in cognitive tasks were evaluated, using Pearson correlation and receiver operator characteristic curve analyses, respectively. RESULTS A significant correlation was found between disease duration and SDMT and TMT subtests. Expanded Disability Status Scale was significantly related to SDMT, VFT-switching, and TMT subtests. Beck Depression Inventory was significantly related to DFT. TMT-switching detected abnormalities in SDMT and PASAT with 100% sensitivity, 93.3% (for SDMT), and 85.7% specificity (for PASAT). TMT-letter showed 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity in identifying abnormalities in COWAT. CONCLUSIONS TMT, particularly the switching condition, is a practical paper-based test that could predict impairment in cognitive tasks. Clinicians may use TMT as a screening tool among PwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Kabiri
- Neurology Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Jameie
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pargol Balali
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahand Adib Moradi
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Sanjari Moghaddam
- Department of Neurology, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vajiheh Aghamollaii
- Department of Neurology, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Harirchian
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Henning DA, Huisinga JM, Lynch S, Fritz NE. Cognition and proprioception in persons with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls: Nascent findings. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104372. [PMID: 36544319 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104372] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although proprioception and cognitive dysfunction are commonly associated with balance impairment and fall risk in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), the relationship between cognitive functioning and a quantitative measure of proprioception has not been examined in MS. OBJECTIVE The primary goals of this study were to determine differences in vibratory sensation, a proxy measure of proprioception between persons with MS and healthy controls, examine relationships between cognition and vibration sensation, and determine the contribution of cognitive function and demographics to vibratory sensation between persons with MS and healthy controls. METHODS One hundred and twenty-two individuals with MS, aged 20-60, with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ≤5.5 and 48 healthy controls completed reaction time testing, the Stroop test and lower extremity vibratory sensation. RESULTS Persons with MS performed significantly worse than controls on measures of vibratory sensation (p = 0.001), two-choice reaction time (p = 0.018), and Stroop Incongruent (p < 0.001) Relative Incongruent Score (RIS) (p = 0.047). In MS, average vibration was significantly related to age (p = 0.002), sex (p = 0.038), disease severity (EDSS; p < 0.001), years since diagnosis (p = 0.016), and Stroop Word (p = 0.041). A model with demographics; including age and disease severity, two-choice reaction time, and RIS explained 33.2% of the variance vibratory sensation in persons with MS. CONCLUSIONS These results provide early evidence for the relation between cognitive functioning and proprioception in persons with MS and add to prior work linking cognitive functioning, postural control and falls in persons with MS. This work provides a basis for future studies combining quantitative measures of proprioception and cognitive and postural control assessment to improve fall prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Henning
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, #2324, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jessie M Huisinga
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, KU Medical Center 3901 Rainbow Blvd / MS2002, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sharon Lynch
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Nora E Fritz
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, #2324, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Neurology, Detroit Medical Center, University Health Center, Wayne State University, 8th floor 4201 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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4
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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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5
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Chard DT, Alahmadi AAS, Audoin B, Charalambous T, Enzinger C, Hulst HE, Rocca MA, Rovira À, Sastre-Garriga J, Schoonheim MM, Tijms B, Tur C, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM, Wink AM, Ciccarelli O, Barkhof F. Mind the gap: from neurons to networks to outcomes in multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:173-184. [PMID: 33437067 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-00439-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MRI studies have provided valuable insights into the structure and function of neural networks, particularly in health and in classical neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer disease. However, such work is also highly relevant in other diseases of the CNS, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In this Review, we consider the effects of MS pathology on brain networks, as assessed using MRI, and how these changes to brain networks translate into clinical impairments. We also discuss how this knowledge can inform the targeting of MS treatments and the potential future directions for research in this area. Studying MS is challenging as its pathology involves neurodegenerative and focal inflammatory elements, both of which could disrupt neural networks. The disruption of white matter tracts in MS is reflected in changes in network efficiency, an increasingly random grey matter network topology, relative cortical disconnection, and both increases and decreases in connectivity centred around hubs such as the thalamus and the default mode network. The results of initial longitudinal studies suggest that these changes evolve rather than simply increase over time and are linked with clinical features. Studies have also identified a potential role for treatments that functionally modify neural networks as opposed to altering their structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan T Chard
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK. .,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
| | - Adnan A S Alahmadi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bertrand Audoin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France.,AP-HM, University Hospital Timone, Department of Neurology, Marseille, France
| | - Thalis Charalambous
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology, Research Unit for Neuronal Repair and Plasticity, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hanneke E Hulst
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Àlex Rovira
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Sastre-Garriga
- Servei de Neurologia/Neuroimmunologia, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Betty Tijms
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Tur
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, UK
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain MRI 3T Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alle Meije Wink
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institutes of Neurology and Healthcare Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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6
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Farooq H, Lenglet C, Nelson F. Robustness of Brain Structural Networks Is Affected in Cognitively Impaired MS Patients. Front Neurol 2020; 11:606478. [PMID: 33329369 PMCID: PMC7710804 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.606478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The robustness of brain structural networks, estimated from diffusion MRI data, may be relevant to cognition. We investigate whether measures of network robustness, such as Ollivier-Ricci curvature, can explain cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). We assessed whether local (i.e., cortical area) and/or global (i.e., whole brain) robustness, differs between cognitively impaired (MSCI) and non-impaired (MSNI) MS patients. Fifty patients, with Expanded Disability Status Scale mean (m): 3.2, disease duration m: 12 years, and age m: 40 years, were enrolled. Cognitive impairment scores were estimated from the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis. Images were obtained in a 3T MRI using a diffusion protocol with a 2 min acquisition time. Brain structural networks were created using 333 cortical areas. Local and global robustness was estimated for each individual, and comparisons were performed between MSCI and MSNI patients. 31 MSCI and 10 MSNI patients were included in the analyses. Brain structural network robustness and centrality showed significant correlations with cognitive impairment. Measures of network robustness and centrality identified specific cortical areas relevant to MS-related cognitive impairment. These measures can be obtained on clinical scanners and are succinct yet accurate potential biomarkers of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Farooq
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Flavia Nelson
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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7
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Beyond Alzheimer's disease: Can bilingualism be a more generalized protective factor in neurodegeneration? Neuropsychologia 2020; 147:107593. [PMID: 32882240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bilingualism has been argued to have an impact on cognition and brain structure. Effects have been reported across the lifespan: from healthy children to ageing adults, including clinical (ageing) populations. It has been argued that active bilingualism may significantly contribute to the delaying of the expression of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. If bilingualism plays an ameliorative role against the expression of neurodegeneration in dementia, it is possible that it could have similar effects for other neurodegenerative disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and Huntington's Diseases. To date, however, direct relevant evidence remains limited, not least because the necessary scientific motivations for investigating this with greater depth have not yet been fully articulated. Herein, we provide a roadmap that reviews the relevant literatures, highlighting potential links across neurodegenerative disorders and bilingualism more generally.
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8
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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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9
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Abstract
Cognitive impairment is increasingly recognized to be a core feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), with important implications for the everyday life of individuals with MS and for disease management. Unfortunately, the exact mechanisms that underlie this cognitive impairment are poorly understood and there are no effective therapeutic options for this aspect of the disease. During MS, focal brain inflammatory lesions, together with pathological changes of both CNS grey matter and normal-appearing white matter, can interfere with cognitive functions. Moreover, inflammation may alter the crosstalk between the immune and the nervous systems, modulating the induction of synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission. In this Review, we examine the CNS structures and cognitive domains that are affected by the disease, with a specific focus on hippocampal involvement in MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an experimental model of MS. We also discuss the hypothesis that, during MS, immune-mediated alterations of synapses' ability to express long-term plastic changes may contribute to the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment by interfering with the dynamics of neuronal networks.
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10
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Macías Islas MÁ, Ciampi E. Assessment and Impact of Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis: An Overview. Biomedicines 2019; 7:E22. [PMID: 30893874 PMCID: PMC6466345 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines7010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment affects 40⁻60% of patients with multiple sclerosis. It may be present early in the course of the disease and has an impact on a patient's employability, social interactions, and quality of life. In the last three decades, an increasing interest in diagnosis and management of cognitive impairment has arisen. Neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging studies focusing on cognitive impairment are now being incorporated as primary outcomes in clinical trials. However, there are still key uncertainties concerning the underlying mechanisms of damage, neural basis, sensitivity and validity of neuropsychological tests, and efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The present article aimed to present an overview of the assessment, neural correlates, and impact of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ethel Ciampi
- Neurology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Neurology, Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, Santiago 8320000, Chile.
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11
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Riccardi A, Puthenparampil M, Rinaldi F, Ermani M, Perini P, Gallo P. D-KEFS ST Failure Identifies Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Worse Objective and Self-Perceived Physical and Cognitive Disability. Front Psychol 2019; 10:49. [PMID: 30733696 PMCID: PMC6353833 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Test (BRB-NT) does not explore the executive functions. We combined BRB-NT and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test (D-KEFS ST) to obtain a more comprehensive evaluation of cognitive impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: 137 Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) patients underwent a detailed neuropsychological assessment including BRB-NT, D-KEFS ST and self-administrated questionnaires, namely the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II). Results: Fifty-four patients (39.4%) had normal scores in each item of both batteries (cognitive normal), while 64 patients (46.7%) failed in at least one test of BRB-NT but not of D-KEFS ST (BRB-NT impaired) and 18 (13.1%) failed in at least one test of both batteries (BRB-NT+D-KEFS ST impaired). Only one patient (0.7%) failed in D-KEFS ST, but not in BRB-NT and was excluded from further analysis. BRB-NT+D-KEFS ST impaired patients had a significant higher mean disease duration and median EDSS score (15.5 ± 13.6 years and 3.5, respectively) compared to those with only BRB-NT impaired (7.9 ± 9.2, p < 0.01 and 2.5, p < 0.05) and with cognitive normal patients (6.7 ± 9.4, p < 0.005 and 2.0, p < 0.01). SDMT was more frequently impaired in BRB-NT+D-KEFS ST impaired patients (77.8%) compared to only BRB-NT impaired ones (20.0%, p < 0.001). The failure in D-KEFS ST was associated with the number of failed BRB-NT items (OR 1.46, IC95% 1.07–1.99, p < 0.05) and with pathological SDMT z-value (OR 10.56, IC95% 2.50–44.66, p < 0.005). Compared to BRB-NT impaired patients and the cognitive normal ones, BRB-NT+D-KEFS ST impaired patients had significant higher MSNQ (p < 0.01) and BDI-II (p < 0.05) values. Conclusion: D-KEFS ST did not increase the number of cognitively impaired MS patients identified by BRB-NT, but provided a more comprehensive evaluation of cognitive decline. D-KEFS ST identified a subgroup of patients with increased self-perception of cognitive decline, depression and higher physical disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Riccardi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurosciences DNS, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Rinaldi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University Hospital-Medical School, Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Ermani
- Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital-Medical School, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Perini
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University Hospital-Medical School, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurosciences DNS, Padova, Italy
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12
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Tóth E, Faragó P, Király A, Szabó N, Veréb D, Kocsis K, Kincses B, Sandi D, Bencsik K, Vécsei L, Kincses ZT. The Contribution of Various MRI Parameters to Clinical and Cognitive Disability in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2019; 9:1172. [PMID: 30728801 PMCID: PMC6351478 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Next to the disseminated clinical symptoms, cognitive dysfunctions are common features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Over the recent years several different MRI measures became available representing the various features of the pathology, but the contribution to various clinical and cognitive functions is not yet fully understood. In this multiparametric MRI study we set out to identify the set of parameters that best predict the clinical and cognitive disability in MS. High resolution T1 weighted structural and high angular resolution diffusion MRI images were measured in 53 patients with relapsing remitting MS and 53 healthy controls. Clinical disability was inflicted by EDSS and cognitive functions were evaluated with the BICAMS tests. The contribution of lesion load, partial brain, white matter, gray matter and subcortical volumes as well as the diffusion parameters in the area of the lesions and the normal appearing white matter were examined by model free, partial least square (PLS) approach. Significance of the predictors was tested with Variable Importance in the Projection (VIP) score and 1 was used for threshold of significance. The PLS analysis indicated that the axial diffusivity of the NAWM contributed the most to the clinical disability (VIP score: 1.979). For the visuo-spatial working memory the most critical contributor was the size of the bilateral hippocampi (VIP scores: 1.183 and 1.2 left and right respectively). For the verbal memory the best predictors were the size of the right hippocampus (VIP score: 1.972), lesion load (VIP score: 1.274) and the partial brain volume (VIP score: 1.119). In case of the information processing speed the most significant contribution was from the diffusion parameters (fractional anisotropy, mean and radial diffusivity, VIP scores: 1.615, 1.321 respectively) of the normal appearing white matter. Our results indicate that various MRI measurable factors of MS pathology contribute differently to clinical and cognitive disability. These results point out the importance of the volumetry of the subcortical structures and the diffusion measures of the white matter in understanding the disability progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Tóth
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Faragó
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Király
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikoletta Szabó
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dániel Veréb
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Kocsis
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint Kincses
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dániel Sandi
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bencsik
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsigmond Tamás Kincses
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Radiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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13
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Matías-Guiu JA, Cortés-Martínez A, Montero P, Pytel V, Moreno-Ramos T, Jorquera M, Yus M, Arrazola J, Matías-Guiu J. Identification of Cortical and Subcortical Correlates of Cognitive Performance in Multiple Sclerosis Using Voxel-Based Morphometry. Front Neurol 2018; 9:920. [PMID: 30420834 PMCID: PMC6216547 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Cognitive impairment is an important feature in multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been associated to several Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) markers, but especially brain atrophy. However, the relationship between specific neuropsychological tests examining several cognitive functions and brain volumes has been little explored. Furthermore, because MS frequently damage subcortical regions, it may be an interesting model to examine the role of subcortical areas in cognitive functioning. Our aim was to identify correlations between specific brain regions and performance in neuropsychological tests evaluating different cognitive functions in a large series of patients with MS. Methods: A total of 375 patients were evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and with MRI. Voxel-based morphometry was conducted to analyse the correlation between cognitive performance and gray matter damage, using Statistical Parametric Mapping with the toolboxes VBM8 and Lesion Segmentation Tool. Results: The following correlations were found: Corsi block-tapping test with right insula; Trail Making Test with caudate nucleus, thalamus, and several cortical regions including the posterior cingulate and inferior frontal gyrus; Symbol Digit Modalities Test with caudate nucleus, thalamus, posterior cingulate, several frontal regions, insula, and cerebellum; Stroop Color and Word Test with caudate nucleus and putamen; Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure with thalamus, precuneus, and parahippocampal gyrus; Boston Naming Test with thalamus, caudate nucleus, and hippocampus; semantic verbal fluency with thalamus and phonological verbal fluency with caudate nucleus; and Tower of London test with frontal lobe, caudate nucleus, and posterior cingulate. Conclusion: Our study provides valuable data on the cortical and subcortical basis of cognitive function in MS. Neuropsychological tests mainly assessing attention and executive function showed a stronger association with caudate volume, while tests primarily evaluating memory were more strongly correlated with the thalamus. Other relevant regions were the posterior cingulate/precuneus, which were associated with attentional tasks, and several frontal regions, which were found to be correlated with planning and higher order executive functioning. Furthermore, our study supports the brain vertical organization of cognitive functioning, with the participation of the cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi A Matías-Guiu
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Cortés-Martínez
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Montero
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Pytel
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Moreno-Ramos
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuela Jorquera
- Department of Radiology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Yus
- Department of Radiology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Arrazola
- Department of Radiology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Matías-Guiu
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Collongues N, Patte-Mensah C, De Seze J, Mensah-Nyagan AG, Derfuss T. Testosterone and estrogen in multiple sclerosis: from pathophysiology to therapeutics. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 18:515-522. [PMID: 29799288 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2018.1481390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroprotection and remyelination are two unmet needs in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Therapeutic potential has been identified with sexual hormones, supported in women by a decrease in MS activity during the pregnancy, in men by a greater severity of symptoms and a faster progression than in women. Areas covered: The therapeutic effect of testosterone and estrogens is reviewed. Both hormones have demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect. Testosterone has an effect in protecting neurons in culture against glutamate-induced toxicity and oxidative stress, and stimulates myelin formation and regeneration mediated through the neural androgen receptor. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, estrogens significantly decrease inflammation in the central nervous system via ERα, while its action on ERβ leads to myelin and axon reparation. Estriol therapy in two phase 2 trials showed a decrease in clinical disease activity and inflammatory parameters in MRI. However, evidence of a therapeutic effect of testosterone is scarce. Expert commentary: Phase 3 trials with estriol as an add-on supplementation are now mandatory. Testosterone is another candidate to be tested in phase 2 trials. These hormones should be considered as an adjunctive therapy. New validated tools are needed to assess their effect on neuroprotection and remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Collongues
- a Biopathology of Myelin, Neuroprotection and Therapeutic Strategies , INSERM U1119, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,b Department of Neurology , University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,c Clinical Investigation Center , INSERM U1434, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Christine Patte-Mensah
- a Biopathology of Myelin, Neuroprotection and Therapeutic Strategies , INSERM U1119, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Jérôme De Seze
- a Biopathology of Myelin, Neuroprotection and Therapeutic Strategies , INSERM U1119, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,b Department of Neurology , University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,c Clinical Investigation Center , INSERM U1434, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Ayikoe-Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- a Biopathology of Myelin, Neuroprotection and Therapeutic Strategies , INSERM U1119, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Tobias Derfuss
- d Departments of Neurology and Biomedicine , University Hospital Basel , Basel , Switzerland
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15
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a multifactorial disease with heterogeneous pathogenetic mechanisms, which deserve to be studied to evaluate new possible targets for treatments and improve patient management. MR spectroscopy and PET allow assessing in vivo the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. This article focuses on the relationship between these imaging techniques and the biologic and chemical pathways leading to multiple sclerosis pathology and its clinical features. Future directions of research are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Moccia
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London, Institute of Neurology, 10-12 Russell Square, London WC1B 5EH, UK; MS Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London, Institute of Neurology, 10-12 Russell Square, London WC1B 5EH, UK; NIHR University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, Maple House Suite A 1st floor, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7DN, UK.
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16
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Koenig KA, Rao SM, Lowe MJ, Lin J, Sakaie KE, Stone L, Bermel RA, Trapp BD, Phillips MD. The role of the thalamus and hippocampus in episodic memory performance in patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2018; 25:574-584. [PMID: 29512427 DOI: 10.1177/1352458518760716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Episodic memory loss is one of the most common cognitive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the pathophysiology of this symptom remains unclear. Both the hippocampus and thalamus have been implicated in episodic memory and show regional atrophy in patients with MS. OBJECTIVE In this work, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a verbal episodic memory task, lesion load, and volumetric measures of the hippocampus and thalamus to assess the relative contributions to verbal and visual-spatial episodic memory. METHODS Functional activation, lesion load, and volumetric measures from 32 patients with MS and 16 healthy controls were used in a predictive analysis of episodic memory function. RESULTS After adjusting for disease duration, immediate recall performance on a visual-spatial episodic memory task was significantly predicted by hippocampal volume ( p < 0.003). Delayed recall on the same task was significantly predicted by volume of the left thalamus ( p < 0.003). For both memory measures, functional activation of the thalamus during encoding was more predictive than that of volume measures ( p < 0.002). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that functional activation may be useful as a predictive measure of episodic memory loss in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen M Rao
- Schey Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mark J Lowe
- Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jian Lin
- Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ken E Sakaie
- Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lael Stone
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Robert A Bermel
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bruce D Trapp
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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17
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Abstract
The neuropsychological aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) have evolved over the past three decades. What was once thought to be a rare occurrence, cognitive dysfunction is now viewed as one of the most disabling symptoms of the disease, with devastating effects on patients' quality of life. This selective review will highlight major innovations and scientific discoveries in the areas of neuropathology, neuroimaging, diagnosis, and treatment that pertain to our understanding of the neuropsychological aspects of MS. Specifically, we focus on the recent discovery that MS produces pathogical lesions of gray matter (GM) that have consequences for cognitive functions. Methods for imaging these GM lesions in MS are discussed along with multimodal imaging studies that integrate structural and functional imaging methods to provide a better understanding of the relationship between cognitive test performance and functional reserve. Innovations in the screening and comprehensive assessment of cognitive disorders are presented along with recent research that examines cognitive dysfunction in pediatric MS. Results of innovative outcome studies in cognitive rehabilitation are discussed. Finally, we highlight trends for potential future innovations over the next decade. (JINS, 2017, 23, 832-842).
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18
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Mahajan KR, Ontaneda D. The Role of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques in Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:905-923. [PMID: 28770481 PMCID: PMC5722766 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging has been crucial in the development of anti-inflammatory disease-modifying treatments. The current landscape of multiple sclerosis clinical trials is currently expanding to include testing not only of anti-inflammatory agents, but also neuroprotective, remyelinating, neuromodulating, and restorative therapies. This is especially true of therapies targeting progressive forms of the disease where neurodegeneration is a prominent feature. Imaging techniques of the brain and spinal cord have rapidly evolved in the last decade to permit in vivo characterization of tissue microstructural changes, connectivity, metabolic changes, neuronal loss, glial activity, and demyelination. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques hold significant promise for accelerating the development of different treatment modalities targeting a variety of pathways in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar R Mahajan
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, U-10, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Daniel Ontaneda
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, U-10, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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19
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Louapre C, Govindarajan ST, Giannì C, Madigan N, Sloane JA, Treaba CA, Herranz E, Kinkel RP, Mainero C. Heterogeneous pathological processes account for thalamic degeneration in multiple sclerosis: Insights from 7 T imaging. Mult Scler 2017; 24:1433-1444. [PMID: 28803512 DOI: 10.1177/1352458517726382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalamic degeneration impacts multiple sclerosis (MS) prognosis. OBJECTIVE To investigate heterogeneous thalamic pathology, its correlation with white matter (WM), cortical lesions and thickness, and as function of distance from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS In 41 MS subjects and 17 controls, using 3 and 7 T imaging, we tested for (1) differences in thalamic volume and quantitative T2* (q-T2*) (2) globally and (3) within concentric bands originating from the CSF/thalamus interface; (4) the relation between thalamic, cortical, and WM metrics; and (5) the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics to clinical scores. We also assessed MS thalamic lesion distribution as a function of distance from CSF. RESULTS Thalamic lesions were mainly located next to the ventricles. Thalamic volume was decreased in MS versus controls ( p < 10-2); global q-T2* was longer in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) only ( p < 10-2), indicating myelin and/or iron loss. Thalamic atrophy and longer q-T2* correlated with WM lesion volume ( p < 0.01). In relapsing-remitting MS, q-T2* thalamic abnormalities were located next to the WM ( p < 0.01 (uncorrected), p = 0.09 (corrected)), while they were homogeneously distributed in SPMS. Cortical MRI metrics were the strongest predictors of clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Heterogeneous pathological processes affect the thalamus in MS. While focal lesions are likely mainly driven by CSF-mediated factors, overall thalamic degeneration develops in association with WM lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Louapre
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sindhuja T Govindarajan
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Costanza Giannì
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Madigan
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacob A Sloane
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Constantina A Treaba
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Herranz
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Revere P Kinkel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Caterina Mainero
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Chan D, Binks S, Nicholas JM, Frost C, Cardoso MJ, Ourselin S, Wilkie D, Nicholas R, Chataway J. Effect of high-dose simvastatin on cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and health-related quality-of-life measures in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: secondary analyses from the MS-STAT randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol 2017; 16:591-600. [PMID: 28600189 PMCID: PMC5507768 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(17)30113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background In the 24-month MS-STAT phase 2 trial, we showed that high-dose simvastatin significantly reduced the annualised rate of whole brain atrophy in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). We now describe the results of the MS-STAT cognitive substudy, in which we investigated the treatment effect on cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcome measures. Methods We did a secondary analysis of MS-STAT, a 24-month, double-blind, controlled trial of patients with SPMS done at three neuroscience centres in the UK between Jan 28, 2008, and Nov 4, 2011. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either 80 mg simvastatin (n=70) or placebo (n=70). The cognitive assessments done were the National Adult Reading Test, Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Graded Naming Test, Birt Memory and Information Processing Battery (BMIPB), Visual Object and Space Perception battery (cube analysis), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. Neuropsychiatric status was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire. HRQoL was assessed using the self-reported 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) version 2. Assessments were done at study entry, 12 months, and 24 months. Patients, treating physicians, and outcome assessors were masked to treatment allocation. Analyses were by intention to treat. MS-STAT is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00647348. Findings Baseline assessment revealed impairments in 60 (45%) of 133 patients on the test of frontal lobe function (FAB), and in between 13 (10%) and 43 (33%) of 130 patients in tests of non-verbal and verbal memory (BMIPB). Over the entire trial, we noted significant worsening on tests of verbal memory (T score decline of 5·7 points, 95% CI 3·6–7·8; p<0·0001) and non-verbal memory (decline of 6·8 points, 4·8–8·7; p<0·0001). At 24 months, the FAB score was 1·2 points higher in the simvastatin-treated group than in the placebo group (95% CI 0·2–2·3). The simvastatin group also had a 2·5 points better mean physical component score of the SF-36 (95% CI 0·3–4·8; p=0·028). A treatment effect was not noted for any other outcomes. Interpretation To our knowledge, this SPMS cohort is the largest studied to date with comprehensive longitudinal cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and HRQoL assessments. We found evidence of a positive effect of simvastatin on frontal lobe function and a physical quality-of-life measure. Although we found no effect of simvastatin on the other outcome measures, these potential effects warrant confirmation and underline the importance of fully assessing cognition and quality of life in progressive multiple sclerosis treatment trials. Funding The Moulton Foundation, the Berkeley Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Trials Collaboration, the Rosetrees Trust, a personal contribution from A W Pidgley CBE, and the National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre and University College London.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Chan
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Binks
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Chris Frost
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - M Jorge Cardoso
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sensitive to lesion formation both in the brain and spinal cord. Imaging plays a prominent role in the diagnosis and monitoring of MS. Over a dozen anti-inflammatory therapies are approved for MS and the development of many of these medications was made possible through the use of contrast-enhancing lesions on MRI as a phase II outcome. A similar phase II outcome method for the neurodegeneration that underlies progressive courses of the disease is still unavailable. Although magnetic resonance is an invaluable tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effects in MS, several imaging barriers still exist. In general, MRI is less sensitive to gray matter lesions, lacks pathological specificity, and does not provide quantitative data easily. Several advanced imaging methods including diffusion tensor imaging, magnetization transfer, functional MRI, myelin water fraction imaging, ultra-high field MRI, positron emission tomography, and optical coherence tomography of the retina study promising ways of overcoming the difficulties in MS imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ontaneda
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Robert J Fox
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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