Gontijo-Santos Lima, Caroline (2023) The Influence of Optic Neuritis and RNFL thickness in the Relationship Between Visual and Cognitive Impairments in Multiple Sclerosis. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between visual and cognitive functioning in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), building upon existing literature that has identified an interplay between these two domains. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the impact of Optic Neuritis (ON), a common visual impairment in MS, and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness, located behind the optic nerve, as moderators in this relationship. Methods: 107 people with MS were referred to Royal Dutch Visio participated in the study. Correlations, partial correlations, and ANOVA analyses were conducted to explore visual-cognitive functioning. Additionally, a systematic review of 42 papers was carried out to identify existing patterns in this relationship in existing literature. Results: Data revealed significant correlations between visual impairments and cognitive functioning (eg. r = -.342, r = -.391), as did the systematic review (eg. r = -.41, r = -.07), supporting the hypothesis that these functions are interconnected. After accounting for RNFL thickness, significant correlations remained (r = -341, r = .389). However, when controlling for a history of ON, this relationship was not significant (ε2 > .027). Conclusions: The systematic review highlighted several significant relationships between visual and cognitive functions, particularly concerning visual acuity and memory. In the data, RNFL thickness emerged as an important factor to consider when investigating the visual-cognitive relationship in MS. This finding emphasizes the need for further research on the impact of RNFL thickness on visual and cognitive functioning, as well as its influence on quality of life.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Feen, F.E. van der |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Jul 2023 12:40 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Jul 2023 12:40 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2645 |
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