Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)
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Background: Memory decline and altered functional connectivity in the default-mode network (DMN) have been widely reported in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Dance has been suggested to...Show moreBackground: Memory decline and altered functional connectivity in the default-mode network (DMN) have been widely reported in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Dance has been suggested to induce neuroplasticity and memory improvement, yet it remains unclear whether dance can serve as a tool to improve brain functioning and memory performance in PwMS. Objectives: (a) To examine differences in resting-state functional connectivity between PwMS and healthy controls (HC) at baseline, and (b) to investigate the short-term effects of an 8-week dance intervention on functional connectivity of the hippocampus within the DMN and its association with changes in memory functioning in PwMS. Methods: In total 19 PwMS and 38 matching HC took part in this study. Regarding PwMS (44.53 ± 8.52 years, 15:4 ratio of relapsing-remitting MS and secondary progressive MS, with 8.9 ± 8.8 disease duration in years), neuropsychological (Brief Repeatable Battery memory tests), psychological (Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire; MSNQ among other questionnaires), and functional MRI data were collected pre-/post-intervention. Data of matching HC (44.68 ± 8.47 years) was adopted from the Amsterdam MS cohort. All PwMS completed an 8-week dance intervention with sessions being held twice a week for one hour each. Repeated measures tests of variances (ANOVAs) and one-tailed Pearson correlations were conducted. Results: Baseline hippocampal connectivity within the DMN was reduced in PwMS compared to HC (p= .036). Following the dance intervention, hippocampus-DMN connectivity remained stable (p= .252). While verbal learning memory improved (65.05 ± 8.38 total score, p= .001), visuospatial memory did not (p= .517). Additional analyses showed improved subjective cognitive functioning indicated by the MSNQ (24.84 ± 9.38 score, p= .035), but this was not associated with changes in objective cognitive functioning (r= -.331, p= .083) nor with changes in functional connectivity (r= -.355, p= .068). Conclusion: Participation in dance can improve verbal learning memory and self-perceived cognitive abilities in PwMS. Either the duration of the intervention was too short to induce a change in hippocampus-DMN connectivity or stable functional connectivity may be regarded as a sign of neuroprotection. Future studies with longer intervention duration and follow-up are needed to further elucidate the benefits of dancing on cognition and brain functioning in PwMS.Show less
