Contributions
Abstract: EP1532
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - Neuropsychology
The correlation between fatigue and cognitive performance in Multiple sclerosis (MS) is well reported, but the intimate mechanisms of the fatigue impact on cognition are not fully defined yet. The combined assessment with neuropsychological testing and functional MRI (fMRI) has revealed an opportunity for investigating complex compensatory mechanisms involved in cognitive functioning.
The aim of this study is to investigate blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activations in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients with and without cognitive dysfunction and the impact of fatigue on cortical activations.
Forty-two patients diagnosed with RRMS according to McDonald's criteria (2010) in remission phase were enrolled in the study. Cognitive functioning was assessed by Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Cut -off point of a total score of 55 on the SDMT was used to divide the patients in two groups: cognitively impaired (CI) - SDMT score equal to or below 55 points and cognitively preserved (CP) - SMDT score above 55 points. Fatigue was assessed by Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The fMRI scanning was performed on a 3T MRI using PVSAT paradigm as a cognitive task. Data were analysed with statistical parametric mapping 12(SPM12) software.
Between-group analysis revealed increased activations in left Brodmann area (BA) 40 in CP patients compared to CI ones (p< 0.001 uncorrected). Regression analysis yielded increased activations in left BA 40, right BA 40 and left BA6 in patients with higher MFIS score. Stronger BOLD activation in left BA 31 was associated with lower MFIS score (FWE, p< 0.05).
The differences in BOLD activations suggest presence of cortical reorganisation in our CP patients. The impact of fatigue on cortical activation during cognitive task is demonstrated by inconformity of activated areas depending on the MFIS score. Activation in BA 40 may represent a mechanism for diminishing fatigue impact on cognitive functioning in CP patients.
Disclosure: This research was funded by Medical University Plovdiv.
Dr. D. Iancheva: Nothing to disclose
Assoc. prof. A. Trenova: Nothing to disclose
Dr. G. Slavov: Nothing to disclose
Dr. S. Kandilarova: Nothing to disclose
Assoc. prof. K. Terziyski: Nothing to diclose
Assoc. prof. S. Mantarova: Nothing to disclose
Prof. Z. Zahariev: Nothing to disclose
Abstract: EP1532
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - Neuropsychology
The correlation between fatigue and cognitive performance in Multiple sclerosis (MS) is well reported, but the intimate mechanisms of the fatigue impact on cognition are not fully defined yet. The combined assessment with neuropsychological testing and functional MRI (fMRI) has revealed an opportunity for investigating complex compensatory mechanisms involved in cognitive functioning.
The aim of this study is to investigate blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activations in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients with and without cognitive dysfunction and the impact of fatigue on cortical activations.
Forty-two patients diagnosed with RRMS according to McDonald's criteria (2010) in remission phase were enrolled in the study. Cognitive functioning was assessed by Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Cut -off point of a total score of 55 on the SDMT was used to divide the patients in two groups: cognitively impaired (CI) - SDMT score equal to or below 55 points and cognitively preserved (CP) - SMDT score above 55 points. Fatigue was assessed by Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The fMRI scanning was performed on a 3T MRI using PVSAT paradigm as a cognitive task. Data were analysed with statistical parametric mapping 12(SPM12) software.
Between-group analysis revealed increased activations in left Brodmann area (BA) 40 in CP patients compared to CI ones (p< 0.001 uncorrected). Regression analysis yielded increased activations in left BA 40, right BA 40 and left BA6 in patients with higher MFIS score. Stronger BOLD activation in left BA 31 was associated with lower MFIS score (FWE, p< 0.05).
The differences in BOLD activations suggest presence of cortical reorganisation in our CP patients. The impact of fatigue on cortical activation during cognitive task is demonstrated by inconformity of activated areas depending on the MFIS score. Activation in BA 40 may represent a mechanism for diminishing fatigue impact on cognitive functioning in CP patients.
Disclosure: This research was funded by Medical University Plovdiv.
Dr. D. Iancheva: Nothing to disclose
Assoc. prof. A. Trenova: Nothing to disclose
Dr. G. Slavov: Nothing to disclose
Dr. S. Kandilarova: Nothing to disclose
Assoc. prof. K. Terziyski: Nothing to diclose
Assoc. prof. S. Mantarova: Nothing to disclose
Prof. Z. Zahariev: Nothing to disclose