Abstract
.Background: Cognitive impairment occurs in the earliest stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) together with altered functional connectivity (FC). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of dynamic FC states in early MS and their role in shaping cognitive decline. Methods: Overall, 32 patients were enrolled after their first neurological episode suggestive of MS and underwent cognitive evaluation and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) over 5 years. In addition, 28 healthy controls were included at baseline. Results: Cognitive performance was stable during the first year and declined after 5 years. At baseline, the number of transitions between states was lower in MS compared to controls (p = 0.01). Over time, frequency of high FC states decreased in patients (p = 0.047) and increased in state with low FC (p = 0.035). Cognitive performance at Year 5 was best predicted by the mean connectivity of high FC state at Year 1. Conclusion: Patients with early MS showed reduced functional network dynamics at baseline. Longitudinal changes showed longer time spent in a state of low FC but less time spent and more connectivity disturbance in more integrative states with high within- and between-network FC. Disturbed FC within this more integrative state was predictive of future cognitive decline.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1973-1982 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 12 |
Early online date | 23 Jun 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2022 |
Keywords
- CIS
- Multiple sclerosis
- cognition
- dynamic FC
- fMRI
- longitudinal