The Relation of body mass index to cognitive functions and fatigue in patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Upper Egypt

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena , Egypt

10.21608/svuijm.2024.335921.2023

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment affects up to 70% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Objectives: This study examines the relationship between body mass index (BMI), cognitive performance, fatigue, and other clinical characteristics in MS patients in Upper Egypt.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with clinically definite MS diagnosed per the 2017 McDonald criteria. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT). Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Clinical and demographic data were analyzed using correlation, t-tests, and logistic regression.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 31.06 ± 7.57 years and an average BMI of 24.05 ± 2.40. Higher BMI was significantly associated with poorer cognitive scores: SDMT (r = -0.812, p < 0.001), CVLT (r = -0.608, p < 0.001), and BVMT (r = -0.737, p < 0.001), as well as increased fatigue (FSS, r = 0.517, p < 0.001). Overweight participants had higher EDSS scores (4.53 ± 1.33 vs. 3.55 ± 1.77, p = 0.010) and longer illness duration. Logistic regression identified BMI (p = 0.021) and disease duration (p = 0.004) as independent predictors of cognitive impairment.
Conclusion: Higher BMI correlates with worse cognitive outcomes, greater fatigue, and increased disability in MS patients, emphasizing the need for targeted weight management as part of comprehensive care strategies.

Keywords

Main Subjects

SVU-International Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume 8, Issue 2
July-December
July 2025
Pages 751-760

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics