Article

There is evidence that body fat is inversely associated with cognitive
functioning in adults from the general population, and this has been associated
with systemic inflammation. The association between body fat and cognition might
further be augmented in the presence of an immune-mediated, inflammatory disease
such as multiple sclerosis (MS). This cross-sectional study investigated the
associations between objective measures of body composition and cognitive
function in 60 persons with MS. Participants underwent a neurological examination
for generating Expanded Disability Status Scale scores, followed by the Brief
International Cognitive Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis neuropsychological
battery for measurement of cognitive processing speed, verbal learning and
memory, and visual learning and memory. Whole-body fat mass, percent body fat,
lean body mass, and bone mineral density were measured using dual-energy X-ray
absorptiometry. Whole-body fat mass and percent body fat were not associated with
any cognitive outcome (all p > 0.41). However, lean body mass was associated with
cognitive processing speed (p < 0.03), and bone mineral density was associated
with cognitive processing speed and verbal learning and memory. Those
associations were attenuated and nonsignificant after controlling for age and
Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (p > 0.13). Body composition might not
represent a target of interventions for improving cognitive processing speed or
learning and memory in MS.

Langue : ANGLAIS