Can changes in brain connectivity predict progression?
Many people with MS are diagnosed with, or go on to develop, progressive forms of the disease. A recent focus of MS research is trying to understand why some people with MS progress without relapses or developing new brain lesions. Currently, there is no way to accurately predict progression in MS. And early changes in the brain often go undetected.
Different parts of the brain constantly ‘talk’ to each other. The way they connect is unique to each person. Mapping how they ‘talk’ to one another is called connectivity fingerprinting. In healthy individuals, research has shown that connectivity fingerprints are stable over years.
Using a new technique for measuring brain activity, called OPM-MEG, we can look at the connectivity fingerprints in people with MS. Because OPM-MEG uses lightweight, wearable sensors, this can be done when people are doing tasks as well as at rest. The aim of this project is to find out if connectivity fingerprints change in people with MS. And if these changes can be linked to disease progression.
About the project
This project will look at 3 different groups of people:
- People with progressing MS
- People with MS who do not report worsening symptoms
- Healthy controls
OPM-MEG will be carried out three times over the course of a year. Each time data will be taken when participants are relaxed and when carrying out some tasks. The team will look at the connectivity fingerprints to answer the following questions:
- Are the connectivity fingerprints different between people with MS and healthy controls
- Does the connectivity change over time, and how does this relate to changes in MS symptoms?
- Are changes in connectivity more obvious in the group with progressing MS?
How will it help people with MS?
Using OPM-MEG to predict progression in MS would offer several benefits. It could provide an early warning of disease progression before any new symptoms arise. This would be useful for making better treatment decisions. It could also give people with MS peace of mind to know that their condition is stable.
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