Functional Connectivity Alterations and Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis Intolerance of uncertainty, cyberchondria, systematic review, meta-analysis
Functional Connectivity Alterations and Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis Intolerance of uncertainty, cyberchondria, systematic review, meta-analysis

Summary/Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most common neurological causes of disability in young adults, is characterized by cognitive deficits in addition to balance-related symptoms, fatigue, and visual symptoms. Patients have difficulties in different cognitive domains such as memory, learning, executive functions, and attention, especially information processing speed. Current conventional imaging methods are insufficient to elucidate cognitive impairments. Structural alterations in the brain obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) do not have a high correlation in explaining all cognitive deficits. Therefore, connectivity-based approaches that address brain functions in a more holistic perspective come to the forefront in explaining cognitive functions. The relationship of cognitive deficits with large-scale functional networks through functional connectivity-based approaches via resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging has begun to be investigated. Although functional connectivity (FC) studies are successful in explaining cognitive functions, the findings are not homogenous. The aim of this review is to analyse the contribution of functional connectivity-based approaches in understanding the clinical-imaging mismatch and to show that cognitive dysfunctions frequently seen in MS patients can only be partially explained by conventional structural imaging techniques. In this respect, this study is a narrative review based on a review of the literature published in the last fifteen years. While the importance of FC in explaining cognitive functions is mentioned, it is also emphasized that the findings of this study may be affected by individual factors such as cognitive reserve.

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