Functional connectivity changes are associated with disability progression in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal fMRI study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) alterations in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have been hypothesized to reflect either adaptive or maladaptive plasticity. Investigating FC longitudinal evolution and its relationship with disability progression can help clarify this issue. This study examined 5-year FC changes in pwMS and their clinical relevance.

Methods

From the Italian Neuroimaging Network Initiative database, we included 156 pwMS with two clinical visits and 3T-MRI scans acquired on the same scanner 4-6 years apart. Clinical/neuropsychological visits included the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FWT), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT3), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (S

SUBMITTER: Piervincenzi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12660332 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature