Neural efficiency of a specific cognitive training in working memory in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune degenerative disease that produces cognitive impairment secondary to white and gray matter disruption of the central nervous system. The main objectives of this doctoral thesis were: First, to study spontaneous brain neuroplasticity processes associated with white matter lesions. Second, to study neuroplasticity processes induced after intensive working memory training. Regarding spontaneous neuroplasticity results, it was observed that white matter lesions located in the internal capsule are predominant in MS patients and cause functional connectivity changes that correlate negatively with cognitive performance. On the other hand, induced neuroplasticity results showed that a specific training in working memory produces similar neuroplasticity in patients as in healthy subjects. These changes in brain plasticity are also associated with cognitive performance improvement. These results can be interpreted as an increase in cognitive efficiency.