Cognitive Reserve Theory May Apply to the Model of Multiple Sclerosis (P03.070)

Abstract

Objective: To assess the role of overall cognitive reserve along with magnetic resonance (MR) parameters on cognitive functioning over a 1.6+/-0.2 year follow-up in relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS). Background Education, premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) and cognitive leisure have been recently proposed as independent contributors of cognitive reserve in MS patients. Design/Methods: In 35 RRMS patients cognitive functioning was assessed at baseline and at follow-up through the Rao9s Brief Repeatable Battery. A Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) was calculated including educational level, premorbid leisure activities (Sumowsky et al. 2010) and premorbid IQ estimated through the Brief Intelligence Test. Longitudinal evolution of neuropsychological performance was assessed calculating a reliable change index (RCI). At baseline and follow-up assessments, 31 patients underwent brain MR examination with measurement of T2 and T1 lesion volumes (T2LV and T1LV), total and regional brain volumes and percentage brain volume change (PBVC). Relationships between CRI and cognitive performance were assessed through Spearman correlation, partial correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: In the total sample at baseline, significant cognitive impairment (CI, failure of >/= 3 tests) was detected in 8 (22.9%) patients. Higher CRI was related with a better performance on tasks of verbal memory, attention, information processing speed and verbal fluency (rho=0.41-0.44,p Conclusions: Consistently with what is reported in research on Alzheimer Disease, also in MS cognitive reserve may mediate between brain pathology and its clinical expression. Therefore, MS patients with higher cognitive reserve are able to withstand more severe brain damage exhibiting a better cognitive performance. Our data support the notion that the “cognitive reserve” theory may apply to the model of MS. Disclosure: Dr. Portaccio has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an advisory board member.Dr. Portaccio has received research support from Biogen Idec, Merck Serono, Sanofi Aventis, and Bayer Schering Dr. Razzolini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goretti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Battaglini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stromillo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Siracusa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Giorgio has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hakiki has nothing to disclose. Dr. Giannini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pasto has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sorbi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Federico has nothing to disclose. Dr. De Stefano has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Bayer Schering and Merck Serono International S.A. Dr. De Stefano has received research support from Italian MS Society. Dr. Amato has received personal compensation for activities with Merck Serono, Biogen Dompe, Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, and Bayer Schering. Dr. Amato has received research support from Merck Serono, Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Dompe, and Bayer Schering.