Protective factors for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis


Authors: P. Strádalová 1,2;  P. Štourač 1,3;  E. Králíčková Nekvapilová 1
Authors‘ workplace: Neurologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno 1;  Oddělení klinické psychologie FN Brno 2;  CEITEC – Středoevropský technologický institut, MU, Brno 3
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2018; 81(1): 24-28
Category: Review Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.14735/amcsnn201824

Overview

Multiple sclerosis is often accompanied by cognitive deficits that occur in all stages and subtypes of the disease. Given the significantly negative impact of cognitive impairment on the over­all quality of life of patients, we need to ask which factors help maintain cognitive function. The current review addresses the protective role of the brain reserve and, in particular, the cognitive reserve built by lifetime intel­lectual enrichment. We sum­marize recent findings based on these factors, such as verbal intelligence, education, occupation attainment or participation in cognitively stimulating leisure activities that may contribute to a better neuropsychological prognosis. The studies show that not only hereditary factors and premorbid behavior but even ongoing participation in cognitively stimulating activities may attenuate the negative effects of the disease on cognitive status. Limitations of the current research and its future directions are discus­sed.

Key words:
multiple sclerosis – cognition – cognitive reserve – neuropsychology

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE “uniform requirements” for biomedical papers.


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Paediatric neurology Neurosurgery Neurology

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