New Study Shows Benefits in Multiple Sclerosis

2011-03-16 16:08:11 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Article published June 15 in the journal, Neurology, shows that a mentally active lifestyle may protect against decline in learning and memory in MS.

June 14, 2010 Kessler Foundation Study Shows Benefits in Multiple Sclerosis

Mentally Active Lifestyle May Protect Against Decline in Learning and Memory

WEST ORANGE, N.J.—Researchers at Kessler Foundation have shown that a mentally active lifestyle may protect against the problems with learning and memory that affect 50% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This protective effect was quite large; individuals with mentally active lifestyles had memory declines of 1%, while those with less active lifestyles had declines of 15%. Moreover, the effect was seen even in people with advanced brain atrophy, explaining why two persons with MS can have the same degree of brain atrophy, yet only one has memory problems.

The study shows for the first time that mental activity may contribute to 'cognitive reserve', a buffer or store of brain function, which appears to prevent or delay problems with thinking, learning, and remembering. The article, "Intellectual Achievement Lessens the Effect of Brain Atrophy on Learning and Memory in MS," appears in the June 15, 2010 issue of Neurology(r), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).

Neurology announced the article and a related editorial in a press release on June 14. The study was supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the National Institutes of Health.

The authors of the study, James F. Sumowski, Ph.D., Glenn R. Wylie, D.Phil., Nancy Chiaravalloti, Ph.D., and John DeLuca, Ph.D., found that despite progressive brain damage, patients with MS who have a mentally active lifestyle were much less affected in their learning and memory. This study supports similar findings in Alzheimer's disease and reinforces the concept of cognitive reserve, which has important implications for the future management of diseases that affect brain function.

"Not all people with brain atrophy caused by MS have cognitive problems, so we looked at other factors," said Sumowski, a research scientist in the Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Laboratory at Kessler Foundation. "In other words," he explained, "one person with MS can have high levels of brain atrophy but little effect on brain function; while another person with less atrophy, but who has a less mentally active life style, has substantial problems with learning and memory."

Their findings showed that individuals with intellectually enriching lifestyles had only a 1% decrease in memory, whereas people with less enriching experienced a 15% decline in memory. Sumowski summarized: "Individuals with higher levels of intellectual lifetime enrichment have brains that process information more efficiently, which may help preserve memory."

"Now we can advise [people] that staying in school, being active and using their bodies and brains will stave off cognitive decline," said DeLuca, co-author and vice president for research. "These are important findings with global implications for the care of patients with MS."

Noting the importance of the findings, Rodger DeRose, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kessler Foundation, said, "This study increases our understanding of how the brain functions and establishes a new direction for future studies in the field of MS. This is just one example of our leadership in medical rehabilitation research. At Kessler Foundation, our scientists are making discoveries that improve quality of life for people with cognitive and physical disabilities caused by a range of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders."

The next step is to research the factors that contribute to cognitive reserve and how people with brain disease can build reserve to prevent or delay problems with memory and learning.

About Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation, the largest public charity dedicated to disability, links science and grantsmanship so that people with disabilities can lead more productive, independent, and fulfilling lives. The Foundation's mission is to improve quality of life for people with physical disabilities through discovery, innovation, demonstration, application, and dissemination. Kessler Foundation Research Center conducts research that improves function and quality of life for persons with injuries of the spinal cord and brain, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. Kessler Foundation also supports programs that promote the employment of people with disabilities through its Program Center's "Transition to Work" Signature and Community Employment Grants. The Foundation's Special Initiative Grants support educational programs like 'ThinkFirst', an injury prevention program aimed at children and teens. Kessler Foundation has a full-time staff of 90 individuals, divided between two locations in West Orange, New Jersey.

For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org

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Kessler Foundation Contact: Lauren Scrivo 973-243-6995

Carolann Murphy 973-325-8382

For more information, contact:
Deb Hauss, [email protected]
Carolann Murphy, [email protected]

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