Introduction: MS is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes demyelination and axonal damage, affecting brain function and connectivity. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) provides valuable insights into alterations in brain activity and connectivity in MS patients. Core resting-state networks (RSNs) involve the Default Mode Network (DMN), Central Executive Network (CEN), and Salience Network (SN) are critical for cognitive, motor, and emotional processes. Understanding the disruptions within these networks in MS could help elucidate disease mechanisms and offer potential biomarkers for disease progression. Objectives/Aims: This study explores alterations in brain activity and functional connectivity within Core RSNs in MS patients and examines their relationship to cognitive and motor dysfunction. Methods: Rs-fMRI and structural (MPRAGE) data were collected from 16 Relapsing-Remitting and 4 Primary Progressive MS patients (disease duration 5.6±3.3 years) and 20 age-matched healthy controls (HC) using a 1.5 T Philips scanner. The DPABI toolbox was utilized to compute brain activity and connectivity, including degree centrality (global connectivity) and regional homogeneity (local connectivity) following preprocessing. Connectivity matrices were extracted from RSNs covering 18 brain regions. A two-sample equal variance t-test was performed to assess connectivity differences between MS patients and HC. Results: MS patients exhibited significant alterations in brain activity and connectivity across several RSNs. The CEN showed significant reductions in local connectivity, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex, lateral prefrontal cortex right (r), and posterior parietal cortex r. The Supramarginal Gyrus as a part of the SN shows a significant reduction in global and local connectivity in MS patients. Further, significant brain activity alterations were observed in the MS patients, in the CEN, particularly in the anterior cingulate, lateral prefrontal r, and posterior parietal cortex r. Conclusion: This study reveals widespread disruptions in resting-state brain connectivity and activity within core networks in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Notably, these meaningful and robust results were obtained using a 1.5 T MRI scanner, emphasizing the potential of lower-field-strength systems to detect relevant functional alterations. These findings suggest that rs-fMRI could be a valuable tool for tracking disease progression and assessing motor impairments in MS

Conference Title

4TH ECTRIMS Congress 30th RIMS Conference

Conference Country

Spain

Conference Date

Sept. 23, 2025 - Sept. 26, 2025

Conference Sponsor

Travel / Abstract Grant Application and Young Scientific Investigators' Session: Yes -I would like to apply for both

Additional Info

Conference Website