Abstract #4061

Functional cognitive control load in multiple sclerosis

Paola Valsasina¹, Maria Assunta Rocca¹, Laura Vacchi¹, Alessandro Meani¹, Mariaemma Rodegher², Vittorio Martinelli², Giancarlo Comi², Andrea Falini³, and Massimo Filippi¹

¹Neuroimaging Research Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, ²Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, ³Department of Neuroradiology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy

In this study, we investigated behavioral and functional MRI (fMRI) correlates of a N-back task in 72 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We found a load-dependent alteration of executive network recruitment, varying according to the disease phenotype. Increased recruitment of frontal regions was associated to the early phase of MS. Conversely, the modulation of regions belonging to the default mode network was more evident in patients with long-lasting disease and was related to the global cognitive profile, suggesting an increased need of cognitive resources to cope with task-demand.

This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.

Join Here