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Open Access 01-02-2022 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Article

Cognitive trajectories in multiple sclerosis: a long-term follow-up study

Authors: Antonio Carotenuto, Teresa Costabile, Giuseppe Pontillo, Moccia Moccia, Fabrizia Falco, Maria Petracca, Martina Petruzzo, Cinzia Valeria Russo, Martina Di Stasi, Chiara Paolella, Teresa Perillo, Elena Augusta Vola, Maria Brunella Cipullo, Sirio Cocozza, Roberta Lanzillo, Vincenzo Brescia Morra, Francesco Saccà

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 2/2022

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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Title: Cognitive trajectories in multiple sclerosis: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Antonio Carotenuto
Teresa Costabile
Giuseppe Pontillo
Moccia Moccia
Fabrizia Falco
Maria Petracca
Martina Petruzzo
Cinzia Valeria Russo
Martina Di Stasi
Chiara Paolella
Teresa Perillo
Elena Augusta Vola
Maria Brunella Cipullo
Sirio Cocozza
Roberta Lanzillo
Vincenzo Brescia Morra
Francesco Saccà
Publication date: 01-02-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Multiple Sclerosis
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05356-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cognitive trajectories in multiple sclerosis: a long-term follow-up study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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