Contributions
Abstract: P623
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - 24 Neuropsychology
Objectives: Theory of Mind (ToM) is a social cognitive domain implying one's ability to understand and predict mental states of others based on their feelings, thoughts, intentions and beliefs. ToM brain networks include several cerebral regions such as the cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, as well as temporal and parietal regions. In multiple sclerosis (MS), the neuropsychological and anatomical correlates of ToM were only the subject of few works [1].
Methods: ToM was assessed in a cohort of MS patients by the means of the revised version of Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET). Clinical and socio-demographic data were obtained. Patients underwent a neuropsychological evaluation that included scales for mood, fatigue, sleep, alexithymia, as well as cognitive measures (Symbol Digit Modalities test (SDMT) and 60-item empathy quotient (EQ)). They also had a 3 Tesla T1-MRI on which a fully automated volume-based morphometry algorithm (MorphoBox) was applied. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between RMET scores on one side, and the remaining data on the other side.
Results: 34 MS patients completed the study. The RMET mean was 22.91 ± 4.83. A positive correlation was found between RMET and each of SDMT (r=0.50; p< 0.01) and EQ (r=0.40; p< 0.01). Concerning MRI measures, RMET scores were positively correlated with volumes of several cerebral areas, namely the temporal (left side: r=0.40, p=0.02; right side: r=0.40, p< 0.01), parietal (left side: r=0.40, p=0.01; right side: r=0.50, p< 0.01), and deep white matter (left side: r=0.40, p=0.03; right side: r=0.40, p=0.04), as well as the right cingular gray matter (r=0.40, p=0.02).
Conclusion: In MS patients, visuospatial abilities and information processing speed seem to be linked to ToM. In addition, the abilities to mentalize would impact the individual's capacity to empathize with others which explains the relationship between RMET and EQ scores. Importantly, ToM performance in MS patients is associated with volumes of areas which are key components in social cognitive networks. Admitting the frequent involvement of these regions during the course of MS, screening for ToM deficits is crucial to improve the patients' quality of life.
Keywords: Theory of mind; multiple sclerosis; social cognition; magnetic resonance imaging.
References:
[1] Chalah MA, Ayache SS. Deficits in Social Cognition: An Unveiled Signature of Multiple Sclerosis. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2017; 23:266-286.
Disclosure: Alain Créange gave expert testimony for CSL Behring, Novartis, received grants from Biogen, Novartis, CSL Behring, GE Neuro, Octapharma, and gave lectures for Genzyme. Samar S. Ayache declares having received travel grants or compensation from Genzyme, Biogen, Novartis and Roche. The remaining authors have nothing to disclose.
Abstract: P623
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - 24 Neuropsychology
Objectives: Theory of Mind (ToM) is a social cognitive domain implying one's ability to understand and predict mental states of others based on their feelings, thoughts, intentions and beliefs. ToM brain networks include several cerebral regions such as the cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, as well as temporal and parietal regions. In multiple sclerosis (MS), the neuropsychological and anatomical correlates of ToM were only the subject of few works [1].
Methods: ToM was assessed in a cohort of MS patients by the means of the revised version of Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET). Clinical and socio-demographic data were obtained. Patients underwent a neuropsychological evaluation that included scales for mood, fatigue, sleep, alexithymia, as well as cognitive measures (Symbol Digit Modalities test (SDMT) and 60-item empathy quotient (EQ)). They also had a 3 Tesla T1-MRI on which a fully automated volume-based morphometry algorithm (MorphoBox) was applied. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between RMET scores on one side, and the remaining data on the other side.
Results: 34 MS patients completed the study. The RMET mean was 22.91 ± 4.83. A positive correlation was found between RMET and each of SDMT (r=0.50; p< 0.01) and EQ (r=0.40; p< 0.01). Concerning MRI measures, RMET scores were positively correlated with volumes of several cerebral areas, namely the temporal (left side: r=0.40, p=0.02; right side: r=0.40, p< 0.01), parietal (left side: r=0.40, p=0.01; right side: r=0.50, p< 0.01), and deep white matter (left side: r=0.40, p=0.03; right side: r=0.40, p=0.04), as well as the right cingular gray matter (r=0.40, p=0.02).
Conclusion: In MS patients, visuospatial abilities and information processing speed seem to be linked to ToM. In addition, the abilities to mentalize would impact the individual's capacity to empathize with others which explains the relationship between RMET and EQ scores. Importantly, ToM performance in MS patients is associated with volumes of areas which are key components in social cognitive networks. Admitting the frequent involvement of these regions during the course of MS, screening for ToM deficits is crucial to improve the patients' quality of life.
Keywords: Theory of mind; multiple sclerosis; social cognition; magnetic resonance imaging.
References:
[1] Chalah MA, Ayache SS. Deficits in Social Cognition: An Unveiled Signature of Multiple Sclerosis. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2017; 23:266-286.
Disclosure: Alain Créange gave expert testimony for CSL Behring, Novartis, received grants from Biogen, Novartis, CSL Behring, GE Neuro, Octapharma, and gave lectures for Genzyme. Samar S. Ayache declares having received travel grants or compensation from Genzyme, Biogen, Novartis and Roche. The remaining authors have nothing to disclose.