Cognitive and physical activity, as well as a healthy body weight and blood pressure, may be protective against disability progression in MS, according to findings published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. Liesbeth Van Hijfte, PhD-candidate, and colleagues examined the association of lifestyle risk factors with the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and ongoing, subclinical brain damage in 351 inactive patients with MS (on high efficacy treatment). Greater cognitive reserve and physical activity were associated with a lower MSSS, whereas overweight or obesity and higher systolic BP were associated with a higher MSSS. Higher BMI and BP also correlated with lower serum neurofilament light chain levels. “Our study suggests an association between a ‘brain healthy lifestyle’ with disability progression in MS,” Van Hijfte and colleagues wrote.
