Associations of social network structure with cognition and amygdala volume in multiple sclerosis: An exploratory investigation

Abstract

Background: Humans are inherently social, biologically programmed to connect with others. Social connections are known to impact mental and physical health. Objective: The aim of this study was to test whether social network structure is linked to cognition, mood, fatigue, and regional brain volumes in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: A questionnaire quantifying individual-level social network structure (size, density, effective size, and constraint), a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was administered to 51 persons with relapsing–remitting MS. Linear regressions assessed associations of network variables to cognition, depression, fatigue, and structural brain volumes. Results: Higher network density and constraint, indicating stronger connections among network members, were associated with worse language functions. Conversely, larger network effective size, a measure of non-redundant network members, was associated with better language functions. No relationships of network structure to depression or fatigue were found. Larger network size was related to larger amygdala volume. Conclusion: Findings suggest that social network structure is linked to language function and amygdala volume in persons with MS. Patients with close-knit networks showed worse language function than those with open networks. Longitudinal studies with larger samples are warranted to evaluate potential causal links between social network structure and MS-related cognitive impairment.

Brain connectivity changes underlying depression and fatigue in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

“…Seventeen studies were identified that investigated associations between structural brain measures and depression (Table 1) [29, 47, 96–102, 132–135, 137, 138, 140, 141]. 10/17 studies did not find any associations (Table 1) [98, 99, 102, 118, 132–134, 138, 140, 141] and 7/17 reported significant associations (Tables 1 and 2) between structural measures and depression severity [29, 47, 96, 97, 100, 135, 137]. Of note, seven of these 17 studies investigated WML measures [29, 96, 98, 99, 101, 102, 141], but only three observed associations between depression and lesion load [29, 96, 137].…”

“…In contrast however, four studies reported an absence of associations between thalamic atrophy and fatigue scores [112, 116, 120, 125]. Similarly, the absence of association was reported between fatigue and basal ganglia volume [108], the limbic system [112], and amygdala volume [140].…”

Feasibility trial of a telehealth support group intervention to reduce anxiety in multiple sclerosis

“…The group-based format leverages social support as a therapeutic tool and maximizes potential benefits, as social isolation is a risk factor for anxiety in MS 10 and smaller and more tightly bound social network structure is related to worse physical and cognitive function in PwMS. 19,20 Additionally, professionally moderated support groups provide benefits on three levels: (1) the group leader is a licensed psychologist with extensive clinical experience; (2) group members are supported by each other; (3) group members turn their focus to helping each other, which is therapeutic. 21,22 A control comparison group (i.e.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Personal Networks and Neurological Outcomes of People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analysis

“…8,9 Adverse personal social networks are associated with social isolation and loneliness, which may have direct biological effects by altering inflammation, recovery from injury, and resilience against neurodegeneration. [10][11][12][13] Personal social network structures (e.g., larger network size, more diffuse connections among network members) are associated with language function and regional brain volume in pwMS. 14 Examining personal social network structure (e.g., network size, density) and composition (e.g., demographics, health behaviors of the network members) in relation to disability accumulation in MS could potentially inform novel interventions.…”

“…8, 9 Adverse personal social networks are associated with social isolation and loneliness, which may have direct biological effects by altering inflammation, recovery from injury, and resilience against neurodegeneration. 10-13 Personal social network structures ( e . g ., larger network size, more diffuse connections among network members) are associated with language function and regional brain volume in pwMS.…”