Cognitive outcomes in multiple sclerosis are shaped by divergent functional connectivity trajectories.

ABSTRACT: Cognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is highly heterogeneous, highlighting the need to better understand the underlying pathophysiological processes of cognitive decline and the brain's mechanisms for adapting to MS damage. This longitudinal study explores functional connectivity (FC) changes and their relationship with cognitive trajectories over seven years in pwMS. We aimed to determine whether individuals with cognitive decline exhibited different FC patterns compared to those with stable cognitive performance. For this purpose, we analysed data from 58 pwMS, including cognitive assessments using the Rao's battery and functional MRI at two-time points with an interval of seven years. Cognitive worsening was defined as 25% decline in global cognitive scores. Gra

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Heras E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781869 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature