The effect of medication Tysabri on cognitive fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is to be analysed in a new research study.
The study will look at how the medication, also known as natalizumab, impacts cognitive fatigue in individuals with relapsing and remitting MS.
Most people living with MS report symptoms of cognitive fatigue, which can adversely affect their ability to perform activities in their everyday lives.
Statistics show that over 40 per cent consider such fatigue their most troubling symptom.
However, despite its impact, there are few treatment options, with none of the widely-used interventions used to slow progression of physical symptoms proven to treat cognitive fatigue.
In this study, led by the Kessler Foundation, the potential efficacy of Tysabri in alleviating cognitive fatigue among those with MS will be explored, in what could have transformational effects for people with the condition.
“Using this rigorous study design, we will add to our understanding of the neural mechanisms associated with Tysabri therapy,” says Dr John DeLuca, who is leading the study.
“We expect to draw firm conclusions about the effect of Tysabri on cognitive fatigue, which may be an important step toward expanding the options for treating this disabling symptom.”
The latest neuroimaging techniques are being used in the project, resulting in the identification and validation of a physiological biomarker, which will be used in determining the outcomes of this study.
The biomarker defines the brain activity patterns associated with cognitive fatigue, according to Dr DeLuca, senior vice president of Research and Training at Kessler Foundation.
“The biomarker enables us to objectively study disease-modifying therapies for MS such as Tysabri for their effects on cognitive fatigue,” he says.
The study will compare ten healthy controls with 15 individuals with MS who are planning to start Tysabri treatment.
During the initial six months of treatment, researchers will use functional MRI to measure the brain activation associated with cognitive fatigue induced by performing a cognitively challenging task.
They will also look at changes in the timing of the onset of cognitive fatigue as treatment progresses through the study, which is titled ‘Biomarker for Cognitive Fatigue using Functional Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis’.
It marks the latest major study from Kessler Foundation, a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord.
