Is there a correlation between dyslipidemia and cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis?

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and demyelination disease of the central nervous system that causes progressive accumulation of disability over time. Recent studies have highlighted the correlation between metabolic disorders and cognitive dysfunctions. The present study aims to evaluate the correlation between components of the lipid profile and cognitive dysfunctions in patients affected by MS. Methods. 90 MS inpatients were included in this study. We divided the sample into three subgroups to evaluate the influence of the presence of dyslipidemia: G1 (patients with dyslipidemia), G2 (patients without dyslipidemia), G3 (patients with a higher than normal lipid value). Patients underwent rehabilitation treatment which included conventional physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychological support, cognitive rehabilitation, nutritional therapy, robotic rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, and virtual reality. Results. The results showed that the three subgroups had a significant improvement in global cognitive functioning (MOCAp < 0.00), working memory (BRB-NV SRT-LTSp < 0.00) and in attention process (BRB-NV SDMTp < 0.00). Only in the G2, we observed a significant improvement in visuospatial abilities (RAO SPARTp < 0.00). Moreover, we found that the cholesterol was negatively correlated with the cognitive functioning score of the patients after rehabilitation and the EDSS score. While the triglyceride scores were negatively correlated with the working memory score before and after rehabilitation. BMI scores were negatively correlated with the visuospatial ability score. Conclusion. Investigating these aspects could help in managing patients, preventing alterations that compromise the patient's quality of life.

Automated summary

The study found a correlation between components of the lipid profile and cognitive functions in patients with MS. After rehabilitation treatment, patients showed significant improvements in global cognitive functioning, working memory, and attention. Furthermore, certain lipid levels were negatively correlated with cognitive function, working memory, and visuospatial abilities before and after rehabilitation.