Slow cognitive processing in MS

Slow processing of information is a cognitive deficit that occurs in MS'ers.

Three structures in the brain called the basal ganglia, thalamus and neocortex are have a key role in information-processing. The basal ganglia and thalamus are groups of neurons that are found deep with in the brain and are typically referred to as the deep gray matter. The neocortex refers to the layer of cells on the surface of the brain.

This study shows that damage and shrinking in size of the basal ganglia and thalamus on MRI in MS'ers is associated  with slow information processing.

Another lesson from this study is that MS is not only a white matter (myelin) disease but also affects the gray matter (neurons).


Epub ahead of printBatista et al. Basal ganglia, thalamus and neocortical atrophy predicting slowed cognitive processing in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol. 2011 Jul 1.

Extra reading: basal ganglia, thalamus, neocortex