U.S. and Italian researchers have determined that brain reserve, as well as cognitive reserve, independently protects against cognitive decline in MS. The research was published in Neuron on June 11, 2013.
“Our research interests focus on why many people with MS suffer cognitive impairment, while others with MS withstand considerable disease progression without cognitive decline,” said Dr. DeLuca, VP for Research & Training at Kessler Foundation. “With our colleagues in Milan, we explore factors associated with lack of cognitive decline despite marked changes on imaging studies.” In this study, 62 patients with MS (41 relapsing-remitting MS, 21 secondary progressive MS) had MRIs to estimate brain reserve and disease burden. Early-life cognitive leisure was measured as a source of cognitive reserve. Cognitive status was measured with tasks of cognitive efficiency and memory.
Dr. Sumowski, principal author/ investigator, commented on the importance of the study, saying, “We demonstrated for the first time that larger maximal lifetime brain growth (which is heritable) and early life mental stimulation (e.g., reading, games, hobbies) independently and differentially protect against cognitive decline in MS. That is, genetics and life experience independently protect against cognitive decline in persons with MS.” Foundation scientists have previously documented the protective effect of intellectual enrichment in MS.
Notes about this multiple sclerosis and cognitive decline research
Dr. Sumowski is a research scientist in Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, under the directorship of Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD. Drs. Sumowski, Leavitt and DeLuca are on the faculty of the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.
Contact: Carolann Murphy – Kessler Foundation
Source: Kessler Foundation press release
Image Source: The multiple sclerosis leisions image is credited to Robert Carswell, circa 1838, and is in the public domain.
Original Research: Abstract for “Brain reserve and cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis: What you’ve got and how you use it” by James F. Sumowski, PhD, Maria A. Rocca, MD, Victoria M. Leavitt, PhD, Gianna Riccitelli, PhD, Giancarlo Comi, MD, John DeLuca, PhD and Massimo Filippi, MD in Neuron. Published online June 11 2013 doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e318296e98b
