Associations between the Framingham Risk Score and cognitive functions in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background & Objective: Cognitive impairment is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is an algorithm used to estimate the 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVDr). This study aimed to evaluate the possible associations between FRS and cognitive impairment in people with MS. Methods: Demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, clinical findings, vascular risk factors, and Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) test results, FRS and CVDr scores were recorded for 110 MS patients. Results: FRS and CVDr scores exhibited a significant negative correlation with the number of correct responses in the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (p < 0.001 for all) and California Verbal Learning Test–Second UK Edition (CVLT-II) test (p < 0.001 for all), and significant positive correlation with the number of incorrect responses in the CVLT-II (p < 0.001 for all). The total score of the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test Revised had a negative correlation with FRS and CVDr (p < 0.001 for both). BICAMS scores showed no significant correlation with smoking status, homocysteine, and uric acid levels. Conclusion: We suppose that vascular risk factors and FRS and CVDr scores may be associated with the deterioration of working memory, information processing speed, verbal learning, and memory in people with MS. Based on the potential impact of vascular risk factors on cognitive functions, our findings suggest that lifestyle changes, appropriate treatment, and using a multidisciplinary approach toward vascular risk factors during MS management may exhibit a positive effect on cognition in people with MS.