GCL Thickness and Cognitive Performance in MS Patients
In a study involving 61 MS patients over 18 months, the thickness of the ganglion cell layer (GCL) was found to significantly predict cognitive performance as measured by the PASAT-3 test after adjusting for various factors. Patients with normal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness displayed notable improvements in verbal fluency, while those with abnormal RNFL did not show changes.
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Why it matters
The results suggest a potential link between GCL thickness and cognitive outcomes in MS, highlighting the importance of retinal health in cognitive function. This could inform future monitoring of cognitive decline in MS patients.
What this does not prove
Despite the findings, the trend for better verbal fluency in patients with normal RNFL did not reach significant levels in group comparisons, indicating a need for further validation in larger studies.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- 61 · completed follow-up
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Yes
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-21
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceRetinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer thinning as biomarkers of cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis: an 18-month prospective cohort study. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107935
Supporting passages (8)
sample sizeRESULTS: Sixty-one patients completed follow-up (mean age 41.2 ± 13.4 years; 72.1% female; mean EDSS 3.1 ± 1.1).
sample size basiscompleted follow-up
primary endpoint metGCL thickness was a significant independent predictor of an age/education-adjusted PASAT-3 z-score after adjustment for EDSS (β = 0.041 SD/µm, p = 0.005, R² = 0.21).
publication date2026-09-21
primary endpointOBJECTIVE: To evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness and cognitive performance in MS patients without a history of optic neuritis.
follow up18 months
findingsGCL thickness was a significant independent predictor of an age/education-adjusted PASAT-3 z-score after adjustment for EDSS (β = 0.041 SD/µm, p = 0.005, R² = 0.21).
limitationsA trend toward better-preserved phonemic verbal fluency trajectories in patients with normal baseline RNFL was observed but did not reach significance in a group × time interaction model, warranting confirmation in larger cohorts.
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