Tracking Memory Function in Migraine: Preliminary Analyses in Adults

Background/Purpose: Migraine is common across the lifespan. Regarding memory function, only limited data are currently available if migraine affects memory performance and if so to what extent and in which specific domain. Particularly, long-term memory retention and decay in migraine has not been investigated yet. However, evidence points to migraine-associated alterations in the activity in brain networks that play a role in memory consolidation, too.

Methods: For the first time, a novel computer-based tool with an iterative, adaptive paired-associate test presenting verbal and non-verbal visual items is introduced to assess memory function. Memory consolidation strength is calculated based on the rate of forgetting (RoF) of each of the presented item. Secondary outcome measures include accuracy of answers provided and response time. Differences in these outcome measures are explored between adults affected by episodic migraine and healthy controls. Additionally, longitudinal within-subjects comparison of RoF in migraine patients is followed at 3 time points across 4 months.

Results: Up until time of abstract submission, 15 healthy controls and 11 patients with migraine were investigated. The RoF was significantly increased in the migraine group compared to controls (p = 0.046) (Figure left). Accuracy rates tended to be lower (p > 0.05) (Figure right), and response times did not differ between groups. By the time of the congress, more data will be available.

Cross-sectional data plot

Conclusion: The outcomes of these studies may help to evaluate whether RoF can serve as a low-cost sensitive behavioral marker during the trajectory of migraine and based on these findings as well for other common headache disorders or neurological disease (e.g., epilepsy). A noninvasive, highly precise adaptive computerized, point-of-care tool to monitor cognition will be of great value both in day-to-day care and scientific research.

 

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Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
08. Oktober 2024