Intellectual enrichment lessens the effect of brain atrophy on learning and memory in multiple sclerosis

NEUROLOGY 2010;74:1942-1945

By James F. Sumowski, Glenn R. Wylie, DPhil, Nancy Chiaravalloti, and John DeLuca

"Learning and memory impairments are prevalent among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, such deficits are only weakly associated with MS disease severity (brain atrophy). The cognitive reserve hypothesis states that greater lifetime intellectual enrichment lessens the negative impact of brain disease on cognition, thereby helping to explain the incomplete relationship between brain disease and cognitive status in neurologic populations. The literature on cognitive reserve has focused mainly on Alzheimer disease. The current research examines whether greater intellectual enrichment lessens the negative effect of brain atrophy on learning and memory in patients with MS."

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