Researchers have identified cognitive impairments to be prevalent among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but their latest study reveals similar levels of these impairments across familial and sporadic forms of the disease. This research, which is significant for the approximately 2.8 million individuals impacted globally by MS, sheds light on how genetic factors might not dramatically influence cognitive performance.
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the central nervous system and may manifest differently depending on genetic predisposition. Of the total MS cases, around 12.6% are classified as familial MS, wherein the disease tends to run within families. Previous inquiries have focused on how MS affects physical capabilities but comparatively less is understood about its impact on cognitive functions.
The study, conducted by researchers affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, evaluated cognitive performance among 390 participants categorized as having familial MS, sporadic MS, and healthy controls. Each group consisted of 130 participants, matched for age, sex, and education. The findings, published recently, suggest fluctuated cognitive performance related to the two forms of MS.
Using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS), they measured cognitive performance across three domains: information processing speed, verbal learning, and visuospatial memory. Results indicated both familial (46.96 ± 12.59) and sporadic (45.88 ± 14.13) MS groups showed significantly poorer performance on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) compared to controls (56.48 ± 11.89). Similar trends emerged from the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), underscoring cognitive deficits associated with MS.
Importantly, the analysis revealed no significant distinctions between the cognitive performance of familial and sporadic MS groups across the tests administered, with p-values of 1.000 for SDMT, 0.775 for CVLT, and 0.733 for BVMT-R. This outcome indicates cognitive difficulties are prevalent regardless of the genetic background.
The researchers paced their study to also explore factors affecting cognitive performance. They noted significant relationships between education and cognitive success. This aligns with existing literature, which has linked higher educational levels to enhanced cognitive function, serving as protective factors against the adverse cognitive impacts associated with MS.
Other demographic and disease-related factors were found to have differing levels of impact. The analysis highlighted depression as negatively influencing cognitive performance significantly. Patients exhibiting more depressive symptoms also experienced decreased performance on the cognitive tests.
The cumulative findings of this study have broader implications for MS patient care, emphasizing the need for regular cognitive assessments and interventions across varied patient profiles.
Despite the revelations, the authors suggest the need for extended research targeting genetic influences and their contributions to cognitive impairment across different demographics. They believe future studies should also encompass patients with various MS subtypes and explore diverse factors such as treatment regimens and fatigue levels, which could also impact cognitive functioning.
This comprehensive study enhances our perception of multiple sclerosis, reiterates the significance of genetic variables, and points toward avenues for more specialized strategies to be developed for MS patient care.