Author Topic: (Abst.) Tysabri improves cognitive impairment over 3 years in MS...  (Read 98 times)

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Offline agate

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From PubMed, July 7, 2015:

Quote
PLoS One. 2015 Jul 6;10(7):e0131803.

Natalizumab Significantly Improves Cognitive Impairment over Three Years in MS: Pattern of Disability Progression and Preliminary MRI Findings

Mattioli F1, Stampatori C1, Bellomi F1, Scarpazza C1, Capra R2.

Author information

1Neuropsychology Unit, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
2Multiple Sclerosis Center of the Spedali Civili of Brescia, Montichiari, Italy.

Previous studies reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with natalizumab for one or two years exhibit a significant reduction in relapse rate and in cognitive impairment, but the long term effects on cognitive performance are unknown.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of natalizumab on cognitive impairment in a cohort of 24 consecutive patients with relapsing remitting MS treated for 3 years.

The neuropsychological tests, as well as relapse number and EDSS, were assessed at baseline and yearly for three years. The impact on cortical atrophy was also considered in a subgroup of them, and are thus to be considered as preliminary.

Results showed a significant reduction in the number of impaired neuropsychological tests after three years, a significant decrease in annualized relapse rate at each time points compared to baseline and a stable EDSS.

In the neuropsychological assessment, a significant improvement in memory, attention and executive function test scores was detected.

Preliminary MRI data show that, while GM volume did not change at 3 years, a significantly greater parahippocampal and prefrontal gray matter density was noticed, the former correlating with neuropsychological improvement in a memory test.

This study showed that therapy with Natalizumab is helpful in improving cognitive performance, and is likely to have a protective role on grey matter, over a three-year follow-up.

The abstract can be seen here.
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SPMS, diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2007-2010. Glatopa (glatiramer acetate 40mg 3 times/week) since 12/16/20.