This 5-year study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to better understand the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Cognitive changes can vary greatly among people with MS, and this study hopes to better understand why these changes occur and how they progress over time.
To do this, we use several different types of brain scans: MRI, fMRI, and PET. MRI allows us to look at the physical structure of the brain and areas of damage caused by MS lesions. Functional MRI (fMRI) helps us see how different areas of the brain are working and communicating with one another. Finally, the PET scan uses a specialized tracer to look at inhibitory receptors in the brain, helping us understand the health of neurons and how changes in these receptors may relate to cognitive function. We combine what we learn from these scans with cognitive testing to understand how changes in the brain may be connected to changes in memory, attention, processing speed, and other thinking abilities over time.
Participants will complete annual brain imaging and cognitive testing, with a subset of participants also completing three PET scans over the course of the study. Ultimately, we hope this research will improve our understanding of how cognitive dysfunction develops in MS and help pave the way toward better methods for predicting, preventing, and treating cognitive decline.
The study is open to people with MS and people without MS ages 18–60. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more or participating, please call (646) 962-3515 or email Noel George at ntg4002@med.cornell.edu and ask about the cognition study!"