Dissertation
The role of inflammatory markers in cognitive impairment in a multiple sclerosis (MS) population
Washington State University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
08/2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006026
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that increased levels of peripheral inflammation are associated with decreased cognitive ability (Dimopoulos et al 2006; Galimberti et al, 2006; Gilbertini et al; 1995). However, there is a paucity of research in the area of cognitive impairment (CI) and inflammation in a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) population. This study aimed to explore the potential link between peripheral inflammation and cognition within the MS population, with the hypothesis that higher levels of inflammation would be associated with lower cognitive performances, after controlling for depression, fatigue and pre-morbid intellectual functioning. Peripheral inflammation was measured by examining serum blood levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Cognition was measured using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS). Correlations and multiple linear regression modeling were used to examine the association between the inflammation variables and cognitive performance. Higher levels of TNF-a significantly predicted lower total verbal recognition discriminability (Beta = - 0.56, p<0.05), after controlling for depression, fatigue, age and pre-morbid intelligence. Interestingly, although higher levels of IL-6 significantly predicted lower verbal memory, this association did not reach significance after controlling for depression, fatigue, age and pre-morbid intelligence (Beta = -0.44, p = 0.057), indicating that depression and fatigue may partially account for the relationship between inflammation and cognition. Overall, the study results supported the proposed link between increased inflammation and decreased cognition in an MS population, and the positive findings underscore the importance of continued research into this area, with potentially significant clinical and treatment implications.
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Details
- Title
- The role of inflammatory markers in cognitive impairment in a multiple sclerosis (MS) population
- Creators
- Joni Tudor Howard
- Contributors
- G. Leonard Burns (Co-Chair)BRUCE ROBERT WRIGHT (Chair)Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Department of PsychologyPAUL H. KWON (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Psychology
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 112
- Identifiers
- 99901055126401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation