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Bromley LE, Weinstock-Guttman B. Effects of Physical Therapy and Dalfampridine on Function and Quality of Life in Nonambulatory Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J MS Care 2024; 26:98-103. [PMID: 38765304 PMCID: PMC11096856 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2023-063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreases in mobility, quality of life (QOL) and cognition are commonly seen in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical therapy (PT) and exercise have been shown to improve many symptoms in ambulatory individuals with MS; however, evidence in nonambulatory people with MS is lacking. Dalfampridine is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for MS that treats impaired ambulation by enhancing nerve conduction. To our knowledge, no study has examined the combined effect of PT and dalfampridine and very few studies have examined dalfampridine's effect on function in individuals with more progressive disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of PT combined with dalfampridine or a placebo on function, QOL, and cognition in nonambulatory individuals with MS. In addition, we explored the benefits of PT in all participants to increase the extremely limited research in this population. METHODS Adults with MS were randomly assigned to receive dalfampridine (n = 13) or placebo (n = 14) for 12 weeks in conjunction with PT treatment 2 times a week. Function, QOL, and cognition were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. RESULTS There was a significant time × group interaction for the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 favoring the placebo group. Both groups significantly improved on the 9-Hole Peg Test (left arm only), sitting lateral reach (right), transferring from wheelchair to mat, and repeated sit to stand. CONCLUSIONS The addition of dalfampridine to physical therapy did not improve function, QOL, or cognitive processing speed. Importantly, this study demonstrated an overall benefit in function and QOL with physical therapy 2 times a week for 12 weeks for nonambulatory individuals with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey E. Bromley
- From the Department of Physical Therapy, D’Youville University, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- the Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Longinetti E, Englund S, Burman J, Fink K, Fogdell-Hahn A, Gunnarsson M, Hillert J, Langer-Gould AM, Lycke J, Nilsson P, Salzer J, Svenningsson A, Mellergård J, Olsson T, Piehl F, Frisell T. Trajectories of cognitive processing speed and physical disability over 11 years following initiation of a first multiple sclerosis disease-modulating therapy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:134-141. [PMID: 37558400 PMCID: PMC10850621 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-331784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We analysed the COMparison Between All immunoTherapies for Multiple Sclerosis (NCT03193866), a Swedish nationwide observational study in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), to identify trajectories of processing speed and physical disability after disease-modulating therapy (DMT) start. METHODS Using a group-modelling approach, we assessed trajectories of processing speed with oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and physical disability with Expanded Disability Status Scale, from first DMT start among 1645 patients with RRMS followed during 2011-2022. We investigated predictors of trajectories using group membership as a multinomial outcome and calculated conditional probabilities linking membership across the trajectories. RESULTS We identified 5 stable trajectories of processing speed: low SDMT scores (mean starting values=29.9; 5.4% of population), low/medium (44.3; 25.3%), medium (52.6; 37.9%), medium/high (63.1; 25.8%) and high (72.4; 5.6%). We identified 3 physical disability trajectories: no disability/stable (0.8; 26.8%), minimal disability/stable (1.6; 58.1%) and moderate disability (3.2; 15.1%), which increased to severe disability. Older patients starting interferons were more likely than younger patients starting rituximab to be on low processing speed trajectories. Older patients starting teriflunomide, with more than one comorbidity, and a history of pain treatment were more likely to belong to the moderate/severe physical disability trajectory, relative to the no disability one. There was a strong association between processing speed and physical disability trajectories. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of actively treated RRMS, patients' processing speed remained stable over the years following DMT start, whereas patients with moderate physical disability deteriorated in physical function. Nevertheless, there was a strong link between processing speed and disability after DMT start.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Longinetti
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simon Englund
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joachim Burman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katharina Fink
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Fogdell-Hahn
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jan Hillert
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jan Lycke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Petra Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Neurology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonatan Salzer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Svenningsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Mellergård
- Department of Neurology, Linköping University, Linkoping, Östergötland, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisell
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Deftereos SN, Vavougios GD, Bakirtzis C, Hadjigeorgiou G, Grigoriadis N. Effects of High Efficacy Multiple Sclerosis Disease Modifying Drugs on the Immune Synapse: A Systematic Review. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:536-551. [PMID: 38343058 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128288102240131053205] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-signaling and adhesion molecules are important elements for creating immune synapses between T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells; they positively or negatively regulate the interaction between a T cell receptor with its cognate antigen, presented by the major histocompatibility complex. OBJECTIVES We conducted a systematic review on the effects of High Efficacy Disease Modifying Drugs (HEDMDs) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the co-signaling and adhesion molecules that form the immune synapse. METHODS We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and other sources to identify clinical or preclinical reports on the effects of HEDMDs on co-signaling and adhesion molecules that participate in the formation of immune synapses in patients with MS or other autoimmune disorders. We included reports on cladribine tablets, anti- CD20 monoclonal antibodies, S1P modulators, inhibitors of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase, and natalizumab. RESULTS In 56 eligible reports among 7340 total publications, limited relevant evidence was uncovered. Not all co-signaling and adhesion molecules have been studied in relation to every HEDMD, with more data being available on the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (that affect CD80, CD86, GITR and TIGIT), cladribine tablets (affecting CD28, CD40, ICAM-1, LFA-1) and the S1P modulators (affecting CD86, ICAM-1 and LFA-1) and less on Natalizumab (affecting CD80, CD86, CD40, LFA-1, VLA-4) and Alemtuzumab (affecting GITR and CTLA-4). CONCLUSION The puzzle of HEDMD effects on the immune synapse is far from complete. The available evidence suggests that distinguishing differences exist between drugs and are worth pursuing further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros N Deftereos
- Second Department of Neurology, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (S.U.B.R.E.), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Merck S.A., Greece, an Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - George D Vavougios
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- Second Department of Neurology, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (S.U.B.R.E.), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Hadjigeorgiou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Second Department of Neurology, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (S.U.B.R.E.), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Ezegbe C, Zarghami A, van der Mei I, Alty J, Honan C, Taylor B. Instruments measuring change in cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3009. [PMID: 37062948 PMCID: PMC10275522 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating/neurodegenerative disease associated with change in cognitive function (CF) over time. This systematic review aims to describe the instruments used to measure change in CF over time in people with MS (PwMS). METHODS PubMed, OVID, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched in English until May 2021. Articles were included if they had at least 100 participants and at least a 1-year interval between baseline and last follow-up measurement of CF. Results were quantitatively synthesized, presented in tables and risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Fifty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria (41,623 PwMS and 1105 controls). An intervention (drug/rehabilitation) was assessed in 22 articles. In the studies that used a test battery, Visual and verbal learning and memory were the most frequently measured domains, but when studies that used test battery or a single test are combined, Information processing speed was the most measured. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was the most frequently used test as a single test and in a test battery combined. Most studied assessed "change in CF" as cognitive decline defined as 1 or more tests measured as ≥ 1.5 SD from the study control or normative mean in a test battery at baseline and follow-up. Meta-analysis of change in SDMT scores with seven articles indicated a nonstatistically significant -0.03 (95% CI -0.14, 0.09) decrease in mean SDMT score per year. CONCLUSION This study highlights the slow rate of measured change in cognition in PwMS and emphasizes the lack of a gold standard test and consistency in measuring cognitive change at the population level. More sensitive testing utilizing multiple domains and longer follow-up may define subgroups where CF change follows different trajectories thus allowing targeted interventions to directly support those where CF is at greatest risk of becoming a clinically meaningful issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigozie Ezegbe
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Flagship, Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Amin Zarghami
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Flagship, Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Ingrid van der Mei
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Flagship, Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Jane Alty
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education CentreUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- Neurology DepartmentRoyal Hobart HospitalHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Cynthia Honan
- School of Psychological SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaLauncestonTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Bruce Taylor
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Flagship, Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
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Delgado-Álvarez A, Delgado-Alonso C, Goudsmit M, Gil MJ, Díez-Cirarda M, Valles-Salgado M, Montero-Escribano P, Hernández-Lorenzo L, Matías-Guiu J, Matias-Guiu JA. Validation of a brief cross-cultural cognitive screening test in Multiple Sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 67:104091. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Frost AC, Golijani-Moghaddam N, Burge R, Dawson DL, Evangelou N, Roche B, Turton J, Hawton A, Law G, Rowan E, das Nair R. Usability and acceptability of a cognitive training intervention (SMART) for people with multiple sclerosis (MS): A prefeasibility formative evaluation. NIHR OPEN RESEARCH 2022; 2:39. [PMID: 37881304 PMCID: PMC10593333 DOI: 10.3310/nihropenres.13274.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory neurological disease of the central nervous system (CNS), increasing in incidence and prevalence across both developed and developing countries. Cognitive difficulties are common in MS sufferers with 70% experiencing difficulties in higher-level brain functioning such as planning, attention, problem solving, and memory. Computerised cognitive training programmes may hold promise as a treatment option for improving cognitive function in people with MS, subject to exploring and addressing potential barriers to usability and acceptability. Methods This study aimed to test the usability and acceptability of a computerised cognitive training intervention-Strengthening Mental Abilities Through Relational Training (SMART) -for people with MS, through a mostly qualitative prefeasibility design ( n= 12). There were two phases of testing: (1) initial usability testing via a think-aloud protocol ( n= 6) and (2) alpha-testing to assess experienced acceptability over a four-week period of engagement ( n= 6). Data from the two phases were subjected to Framework Analysis, wherein we deductively applied the Health IT Usability Evaluation Model and Theoretical Framework of Acceptability to assess usability and acceptability, respectively. Results Results show SMART to have satisfactory usability with participants reacting positively to the formatting, visuality, and process of the interface. Minor suggestions were made on how best to adapt SMART for people with MS, but the programme and facilitative support were generally perceived to be acceptable, with participants expressing positive feelings about taking part in the intervention, despite associated burdens. Conclusions This prefeasibility study provides preliminary evidence of the usability and acceptability of SMART as a computerised cognitive training programme for people with MS. We conclude that we can now move forward with a feasibility trial of SMART, with the intention of proceeding to a definitive trial with cost-effectiveness analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C. Frost
- Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Rd, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
| | | | - Rupert Burge
- University of Lincoln, Sarah Swift Building, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - David L. Dawson
- University of Lincoln, Sarah Swift Building, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Nikos Evangelou
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, C floor, South Block, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Bryan Roche
- Department Psychology, Maynooth University, Mariavilla, Maynooth, W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - James Turton
- University of Lincoln, Sarah Swift Building, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Annie Hawton
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Graham Law
- Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit (LinCTU), Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Elise Rowan
- Lincoln Clinical Trials Unit (LinCTU), Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Roshan das Nair
- Institute of Mental Health, Innovation Park, Triumph Rd, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
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Objectively assessed physiological, physical, and cognitive function along with patient-reported outcomes during the first 2 years of Alemtuzumab treatment in multiple sclerosis: a prospective observational study. J Neurol 2022; 269:4895-4908. [PMID: 35482080 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), little evidence exist on the effects of Alemtuzumab on physiological, physical, and cognitive function along with patient-reported outcomes, despite these domains are being rated as highly important. Therefore, our purpose was to perform a prospective observational study to examine these outlined outcomes during the first two years of Alemtuzumab treatment in pwMS. METHODS In n = 17 relapsing-remitting pwMS, physiological function [body composition; bone mineral content; muscle strength; aerobic capacity], physical function [6-min walk test (6MWT, primary outcome); timed 25 ft walk test (T25FWT); six spot step test (SSST); 9-step stair ascend (9SSA); timed up and go test (TUG); 5 × sit to stand test (5STS)], cognitive function [selective reminding test (SRT); symbol digit modalities test (SDMT)], and patient-reported outcomes [multiple sclerosis impact scale-29 (MSIS29); 12-item multiple sclerosis walking scale (MSWS12); modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS); hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)] were assessed prior to Alemtuzumab treatment initiation as well as 3, 6, 12, and 24 months into the treatment. RESULTS Improvements were observed at 24-month follow-up in T25FWT (+ 8%), SSST (+ 10%), SDMT (+ 5.2 points, 53% improved more than the clinical cut-off score) and SRT, whereas the primary outcome 6MWT, and all other remaining outcomes, remained stable throughout the Alemtuzumab treatment period. CONCLUSION The present findings suggest that Alemtuzumab treatment in relapsing-remitting pwMS can improve certain domains of physical function (short distance walking) and cognitive function (processing speed, memory), and furthermore stabilize physiological and physical function along with patient-reported outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03806387.
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Carotenuto A, Costabile T, Pontillo G, Moccia M, Falco F, Petracca M, Petruzzo M, Russo CV, Di Stasi M, Paolella C, Perillo T, Vola EA, Cipullo MB, Cocozza S, Lanzillo R, Brescia Morra V, Saccà F. Cognitive trajectories in multiple sclerosis: a long-term follow-up study. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:1215-1222. [PMID: 34105018 PMCID: PMC8789689 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and undergoes a progressive worsening over disease course. However, clinicians still struggle to predict the course of cognitive function. To evaluate baseline clinical and imaging predictors of cognitive abilities worsening over time, we performed a latent trajectory analysis for cognitive performances in MS patients, up to 15 years from disease onset. METHODS We collected age, sex, education, dominant and non-dominant 9-hole peg test (9HP) and timed 25-foot walk (T25-FW) as well as MRI measures (grey matter volume and lesion load) within 6 months from disease diagnosis for relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) patients. At diagnosis and over the follow-up, we also assessed cognitive status through the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT). Cognitive impairment was defined by applying age-, gender- and education-adjusted normative values. Group-based trajectory analysis was performed to determine trajectories, and the predictive value of clinical and imaging variables at baseline was assessed through multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS We included 148 RR-MS (98 females and 50 males). Over 11 ± 4 year follow-up, 51.4% remained cognitively stable whereas 48.6% cognitively worsened. Cognitively worsening patients had a higher T25FW time (p = 0.004) and a reduced hippocampal volume at baseline (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Physical disability as well as hippocampal atrophy might depict patients at risk of cognitive worsening over the disease course. Therefore, using such predictors, clinicians may select patients to carefully evaluate for cognitive impairment as to eventually introduce cognitive rehabilitation treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Teresa Costabile
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pontillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Moccia Moccia
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Falco
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Petracca
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Petruzzo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Valeria Russo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Di Stasi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Paolella
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Perillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Augusta Vola
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Skorve E, Lundervold AJ, Torkildsen Ø, Myhr KM. A two-year longitudinal follow-up of cognitive performance assessed by BICAMS in newly diagnosed patients with MS. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 46:102577. [PMID: 33296975 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may occur at any stage and with any subtype of the disease. Screening and monitoring of cognitive function should therefore be implemented into everyday clinical neurology practice. The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) was developed for this purpose. Although several cross-sectional studies have validated BICAMS, longitudinal studies evaluating its use as part of a clinical follow-up routine are still lacking. OBJECTIVE To investigate cognitive function and trajectories of change assessed by the BICAMS test battery in a cohort of newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients examined at baseline and after 12 and 24 months. METHODS BICAMS was used to assess cognitive function in 58 RRMS patients, who also filled in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), and underwent standard neurological evaluations at baseline and at the two follow-ups. RESULTS A total of 27 patients (46.6%) were defined as cognitively impaired at baseline on at least one test, and 22 (37.9%) were defined as impaired at follow-up after 24 months. Throughout the study, 8 (13.8%) and 4 (6.9%) patients were consistently defined as impaired on two or three tests, respectively. The mean raw scores on two BICAMS subtests (SDMT and CVLT-II) improved significantly from baseline to the first follow-up, and then remained stable the next year, whereas the visual memory test (BVMT-R) were overall unchanged from baseline to the end of the study. The correlations between the scores on HADS, FSMC and the BICAMS subtests were non-significant at baseline, but weak to moderate negative correlations were found at the one- and two-year follow-ups. CONCLUSION The patients showed improved test results from baseline to the first follow-up examination, indicating that an effect of previous practise should be taken into account when interpreting the results. With results showing both trajectories of stability and change, our study supported the validity of including BICAMS as part of a clinical follow-up routine of RRMS patients. Anxiety, depression, fatigue and cognition should always be assessed at the same time to reveal interaction effects that are expected to affect the daily-life functioning of at least some of the RRMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Skorve
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Astri J Lundervold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øivind Torkildsen
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell-Morten Myhr
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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10
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Benedict RHB, Amato MP, DeLuca J, Geurts JJG. Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: clinical management, MRI, and therapeutic avenues. Lancet Neurol 2020; 19:860-871. [PMID: 32949546 PMCID: PMC10011205 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(20)30277-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, demyelinating disease of the CNS. Cognitive impairment is a sometimes neglected, yet common, sign and symptom with a profound effect on instrumental activities of daily living. The prevalence of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis varies across the lifespan and might be difficult to distinguish from other causes in older age. MRI studies show that widespread changes to brain networks contribute to cognitive dysfunction, and grey matter atrophy is an early sign of potential future cognitive decline. Neuropsychological research suggests that cognitive processing speed and episodic memory are the most frequently affected cognitive domains. Narrowing evaluation to these core areas permits brief, routine assessment in the clinical setting. Owing to its brevity, reliability, and sensitivity, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, or its computer-based analogues, can be used to monitor episodes of acute disease activity. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test can also be used in clinical trials, and data increasingly show that cognitive processing speed and memory are amenable to cognitive training interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph H B Benedict
- Department of Neurology and Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of Neurology, University of Florence, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Section Clinical Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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