Diagnosis of Coexistent Neurodegenerative Dementias in Multiple Sclerosis (P12-3.018)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> Use biomarkers such as PET and CSF proteins to distinguishing multiple sclerosis-related cognitive impairment from co-existent progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease. <h3>Background:</h3> Among people with multiple sclerosis, cognitive impairment occurs commonly and is a potent predictor of disability. Some multiple sclerosis patients present with severe cognitive impairment, and distinguishing multiple sclerosis-related cognitive impairment from co-existent progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease poses a diagnostic challenge. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> The study was a retrospective, descriptive study on convenience samples of separate cohorts, one of cognitively impaired multiple sclerosis patients evaluated on autopsy to demonstrate coincidence of both multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative cognitive diseases. The second cohort were cognitively impaired multiple sclerosis patients evaluated by biomarker to investigate possible additional neurodegenerative cognitive disorders contributing to the cognitive impairment. <h3>Results:</h3> We investigated selected biomarkers among 31 severely impaired patients (biomarker cohort) and 12 severely impaired patients assessed at autopsy and selected 24 (23 biomarker cohort, 1 autopsy cohort) had comprehensive neurocognitive testing. Biomarker cohort investigations included 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET and/or CSF amyloid Aβ1–42, phospho-tau and total tau levels. The autopsy cohort was evaluated with comprehensive neuropathological assessment for aetiology of cognitive impairment. The cohorts shared similar sex, age at multiple sclerosis onset and multiple sclerosis clinical course. The autopsy-cohort patients were older at diagnosis (69.5 versus 57 years, P=0.006), had longer disease duration [median (range) 20 years (3–59) versus 9 (1–32), P=0.001] and had more impaired bedside mental status scores at last follow-up [Kokmen median (range) 23 (1–38) versus 31 (9–34) P=0.01]. Autopsy-cohort patients confirmed, or excluded, coexistent neurogenerative disease by neuropathology gold standard. Most bio marker-cohort patients had informative results evaluating coexistent neurogenerative disease. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Biomarkers may be useful in indicating a coexistent neurodegenerative disease earlier, and in life, in patients with multiple sclerosis and significant cognitive impairment. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Londono has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Genentech. Dr. Arumaithurai has nothing to disclose. Eleni Constantopoulos has nothing to disclose. Dr. Basso has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Taylor and Francis. The institution of Ross Reichard has received research support from NIH. An immediate family member of Ross Reichard has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. The institution of Dr. Flanagan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Alexion. Dr. Flanagan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Genentech. Dr. Flanagan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Horizon Therapeutics. Dr. Flanagan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Pharmacy times. The institution of Dr. Flanagan has received research support from Viela Bio. Dr. Flanagan has received research support from UCB. Dr. Flanagan has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Flanagan has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of medical Advisory Board with The MOG Project that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Flanagan has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial board member with Journal of The Neurologic Sciences that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Flanagan has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial board member with Neuroimmunology Reports that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Keegan has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.