The Relationship between Psychosocial Factors and Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disorder in some regions of the world, with over 2.3 million people diagnosed worldwide. Cognitive impairment is one of the earliest symptoms to present in the course of the disease and can cause significant morbidity. We proposed a study to explore the psychosocial predictors of cognitive impairment in MS patients in Saudi Arabia, a previously unexplored patient population. Methods Demographic data, depression scale (PHQ9), symptom burden (PHQ15), anxiety (GAD7), disease duration, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) scores were collected from 195 patients in a neurology clinic in Ryiadh, Saudi Arabia. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify variables that are significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Results Variables that were identified to be significantly associated with cognition, p < 0.05, were education level, disease duration, and family history. Discussion Both education level and disease duration were variables identified in previous studies. We showed family history to be a significant variable, and no association was found with depression or anxiety, which is unique to our study population. Conclusions We identified several psychosocial predictors that are associated with cognition in our patient population. It was also noted that a difference exists between patient populations, highlighting the need for further studies in specific geographical regions.

Baseline characteristics and effects of fingolimod on cognitive performance in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis

“…The correlation we reported between PASAT‐3 score and T2 lesion volume, −0.238, is close to that derived in a recent meta‐analysis between cognition and T2 lesion volume in MS (−0.30) [27]. Disease duration and age have been linked extensively to cognitive function in MS [26,28], as we found in the present study. We did not find a significant correlation between PASAT‐3 score and Gd+ lesions, which contradicts a previous study [29].…”

Education, and the balance between dynamic and stationary functional connectivity jointly support executive functions in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

“…We found higher education and stronger static connectivity strength were also associated with better higher‐order cognitive functions, in keeping with prior results (Alosaimi et al, ) and “cognitive reserve theory” which suggests that education may provide neuroprotection effects and enhance plasticity and flexibility in a variety of neural circuits imparting protection in neurodegenerative disease (Stern, ; Vance, Roberson, McGunness, & Fazeli, ). Prior studies relating functional connectivity with cognition have been variable; stronger (Smith, ), or weaker but more efficient connections (Santarnecchi, Galli, Polizzotto, Rossi, & Rossi, ) have both been proposed for supporting cognitive functions.…”

“…Depression and anxiety are frequent comorbidities in MS and are often associated with more severe physical disability and disease progression, and poorer quality of life (Marrie, ). Although comorbidities in MS have been extensively studied in the clinical literature (e.g., (Alosaimi et al, ; Marrie, ; Rahn, Slusher, & Kaplin, )), the relations between disease severity, comorbidity, cognition, and rsFC have not been previously investigated. We found affective variables were highly correlated with demographics as shown in Figure .…”

Biomedical Variables and Adaptation to Disease and Health-Related Quality of Life in Polish Patients with MS

“…Multiple sclerosis ( Sclerosis multiplex , MS) is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune central nervous system disease which affects the physical, mental, and social functioning of an individual [1,2]. It is one of the most common neurological disorders in young adults and the most common nontraumatic cause of disability among young and middle-aged individuals [3,4,5].…”