MS research update - 18 June 2010
- Active brains less susceptible to cognitive problems seen in MS
- LDN studied for its effect on quality of life
Active brains less susceptible to cognitive problems seen in MS
The term cognition refers to processes such as thinking, remembering, judgement and reasoning. Many people with MS experience cognitive problems which are most often mild and manageable. This study investigated the relationship between lifetime intellectual enrichment (estimated vocabulary knowledge) and brain atrophy (loss of brain tissue) that is seen in MS, on learning and memory.
44 people with MS completed tests that estimated their level of vocabulary based intellectual enrichment and measured their capacity for verbal learning and memory. The participants also underwent MRI scans to measure brain volume.
Analysis of the test outcomes and the brain scans indicated that people who had higher intellectual enrichment (as measured by the extent of their vocabulary) performed better in the memory and learning tests regardless of the extent of brain atrophy.
Based on these findings, the study authors hypothesise that higher levels of mental activity protect against the potential cognitive decline that occurs as a result of brain atrophy in MS.
Sumowski JF, Wylie GR, Chiaravalloti N, et al.
Intellectual enrichment lessens the effect of brain atrophy on learning and memory in multiple sclerosis
Neurology 2010; 74(24):1942-5.
Medline abstract
LDN studied for its effect on quality of life
Naltrexone (Nalorex) is a drug that is licensed to treat people with addictions to opioid drugs such as morphine, codeine, methadone and heroin. Following anecdotal reports that low doses help the symptoms of people with a wide range of conditions, there have been a few initial studies of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) in MS.
96 people with MS took part in a 17-week placebo controlled study to investigate the effect of LDN on quality of life. 46 people received LDN and 50 people received a placebo drug during the course of the study.
Participants were assessed for physical and mental well-being in the middle and at the end of the study. The areas of focus included: presence of pain, energy, emotional well-being, social, cognitive and sexual functions, role limitation due to physical and emotional problems, health distress, and overall quality of life. The findings of the assessments revealed no significant differences between the group receiving LDN and the group receiving placebo.
Based on these results, the authors of the study conclude that while LDN might by safe and well tolerated n the MS population, the claimed benefits of the drug remain questionable.
Sharafaddinzadeh N, Moghtaderi A, Kashipazha D, et al.
The effect of low dose naltrexone on quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Multiple Sclerosis 2010 [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract