MS research update - 21 August 2009
- Personality traits influence brain activity in people with MS
- Gender ratio in adult MS different to gender ratio in childhood MS
- Cognitive behavioural approach to fatigue management beneficial for people with MS
Personality traits influence brain activity in people with MS
In recent years there has been an increasing interest in how personality is affected by neurological disorders, and conversely, how personality may influence brain activity. This study investigates the impact of personality characteristics on brain activity in people with relapsing remitting MS compared with healthy individuals. The group of people with MS showed no evidence of cognitive impairment nor psychiatric disorders. In the initial stages of the study personality traits of the participants were assessed using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQR). The results of the personality test pointed to a higher trend towards neuroticism and extraversion in the people with MS compared to the healthy participants. In the second part of the study, an advanced imaging technique known as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to identify the areas of the brain that were activated when study participants engaged in a series of working memory tests (tests that assess short term memory). During fMRI scanning, higher levels of activity in two specific brain regions were seen in people who had higher extroversion scores in the personality tests. The study authors conclude that the influence personality traits have on brain activity (as seen in both study groups) is not diminished by the changes in brain activity that are seen in MS.
Gioia MC, Cerasa A, Valentino P, et al.
Neurofunctional correlates of personality traits in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: An fMRI study.
Brain and Cognition 2009; [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract
Gender ratio in adult MS different to gender ratio in childhood MS
A significant amount of research has demonstrated that a higher number of women develop MS compared to men. Recent research points to a female predominance of MS by a ratio of 3:1. This article examines the evidence for a gender effect in early onset MS - onset of MS under the age 16. Earlier research has suggested a 1:1 ratio before the age of 12. The authors of this article suggest the female predominance in MS is seen from puberty onwards, correlating with the reproductive years, and further implicating the role of sex hormones. The article also observes the trend over the last few decades of an increasing female predominance as well as an increase in age of onset.
Tintore M, Arrambide G.
Early onset multiple sclerosis: the role of gender.
Journal of Neurological Sciences 2009 [Epub ahead of print] .
Medline abstract
Cognitive behavioural approach to fatigue management beneficial for people with MS
Fatigue is amongst the most common symptoms experienced by people with MS and can have a significant impact upon an individual's daily activities. The article describes the development and evaluation of a group-based cognitive behavioural approach to fatigue management in people with multiple sclerosis. The aims of the programme were to normalise the experience of fatigue, to teach people how to use available energy more efficiently, and in line with a cognitive behavioural approach - to help them develop helpful thinking styles. The programme consisted of six 90 minute weekly sessions involving 6 to 10 people. Following completion of the programme, participants reported improved ability to manage MS fatigue. Plans for the next phase include roll-out of the programme at other centres and the collection of data in preparation for a randomised controlled trial.
Thomas S, Thomas PW, Nock A.
Development and preliminary evaluation of a cognitive behavioural approach to fatigue management in people with multiple sclerosis.
Patient Education and Counseling 2009 [Epub ahead of print] .
Medline abstract