Preface.

Abstract

The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) will experience cognitive symptoms during the course of the disease, and these symptoms are regarded by many patients to be the most troublesome. Ever since MS was described in the 18th century, the presence of cognitive symptoms has been known, but in recent years it has received increased attention. Our knowledge about the assessment of cognitive symptoms, the relationship to disease activity and treatment is still incomplete. The extensive application of magnetic resonance imaging techniques is contributing to improve the understanding of the clinical manifestations in patients with MS. Recently, it has become clear that cognitive symptoms, fatigue, and depression in these patients are not only related to the presence of lesions and structural damage to strategic white matter and gray matter regions, but also to maladaptive functional plasticity. Functional imaging techniques seem to be promising in exploring and advancing our knowledge of the role of functional reorganization (in terms of modifications of activity and functional connectivity), and thus contribute to explaining cognitive symptoms, fatigue, and depression. January 29–30, 2016, TEVA Nordic, chaired by Fredrik Blomstrand, hosted a symposium in Oslo with the title “Cognitive impairment in MS.” The aim of the symposium was to review current knowledge within different aspects of cognitive symptoms, fatigue, and depression in MS. An independent scientific committee was responsible for the program. The presenters were asked to write a review article based on their selected topics. The manuscripts are independent contributions, and TEVA has had no influence on the content. The aim of the present volume was to provide an overview on cognitive symptoms, fatigue, and depression in MS, methods of assessment and new imaging tools, as well as treatment and rehabilitation, updated in relation to novel knowledge on cerebral function. English proofreading was performed by Ms. Judith Klecki. EGC has received funding for travel and speaker's fees from Sanofi-Aventis, Merck Serono, Genzyme, Biogen Idec, TEVA, Almirall and Novartis, and received unrestricted research support from Genzyme, Biogen Idec and Novartis. MR has received speaker's honoraria from Biogen Idec, Novartis, TEVA, Genzyme and ExceMed and receives research support from the Italian Ministry of Health and Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla. The Institution of Neuroscience and Physiology at the University of Gothenburg was remunerated from TEVA for OAs participation in the organizing committee for the 4th Nordic MS symposium.