Survey examines attitudes to brain atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis.- Celgene

A new survey examines the topic of brain volume loss, known as brain atrophy, in people with multiple sclerosis. The survey findings, presented at ECTRIMS 2018, suggest that there is a high level of interest in better understanding how brain atrophy may impact disease progression. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported that they have not talked to any member of their medical team about brain atrophy; only 20 percent reported being moderately or very satisfied with the amount of information available on potential ways to prevent brain atrophy. The survey, conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) and sponsored by Celgene, included more than 1,300 people with multiple sclerosis or someone responding on their behalf.

�Brain atrophy is strongly correlated with the development of disability and neuropsychological impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis. Yet patients generally do not have a clear understanding of all of the factors that can affect the course of their disease, especially brain atrophy,� said Rohit Bakshi, M.D., M.A., Director, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, in the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women�s Hospital and the Jack, Sadie and David Breakstone Professor of Neurology & Radiology at Harvard Medical School. �The survey data suggest that there is a real need and an opportunity to better educate people with multiple sclerosis on the role brain atrophy plays in disease progression.�

Cognitive changes are a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, affecting more than of those living with the condition. Based on the survey findings, maintaining cognitive function is the second most common concern for respondents, reported by 27 percent of respondents as the most important consideration in the management of half multiple sclerosis. Only the prevention of physical disability progression was reported more often (45 percent).

The progressive shrinkage of nerve tissue in the brain, known as atrophy, can impair the function of the affected area and is thought to be related to neuropsychological impairments, including cognitive deficits, in people with multiple sclerosis. Brain atrophy also has an impact on disease progression, but the survey participants indicated that many doctors don�t speak with them about brain atrophy or the role it plays in disease progression. A striking 63 percent of respondents reported that they have never talked to any member of their medical team about brain atrophy. And while almost 90 percent of respondents have an MRI at least every three years, only 20 percent said their doctors talked about brain atrophy when discussing MRI results. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that brain atrophy is a major driver of disease activity and a predictor of long-term disability. Yet educational materials and initiatives for those living with multiple sclerosis are lacking; only 20 percent of respondents were either moderately or very satisfied with the amount of information available to them on how to potentially prevent brain atrophy. According to MSAA, neurologists and nurses could offer critical support in educating people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones on the latest research in brain atrophy.This survey examined participants� knowledge about the effects of multiple sclerosis on the brain, including brain atrophy, and how this issue is being discussed between patients and their healthcare professionals. Participants in this self-administered online survey included 1,337 people with multiple sclerosis, or someone responding on their behalf. Eighty percent of the respondents were women. The survey was conducted in March of 2018.