New review from Invest in ME Research-funded research at the Centre
Invest in ME Research's commitment to funding and facilitating the Centre of Excellence for ME model has the potential to yield significant results, as evidenced by the recent paper "Cognitive Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—Aetiology and Potential Treatments" (Bansal et al., 2025) [1].
This collaborative effort demonstrates the value of our strategy to support and facilitate the collaboration with new expertise to the field of ME research. By fostering partnerships between established researchers and emerging talent, we can advance the understanding of this under-researched disease, paving the way for innovative diagnostic tools and treatments.
The review, published in the *International Journal of Molecular Sciences, addresses a critical aspect of
ME: cognitive dysfunction.
Cognitive impairments,
such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slowed processing speed, are common and debilitating
symptoms for many ME patients, significantly impacting their daily lives and quality of life.
The importance of this review lies in its examination of the complex interplay between aetiology
and potential treatments for cognitive dysfunction in ME.
The paper synthesises current research to
expound on potential causes, including:
- Neurological Factors: Exploring structural and functional brain abnormalities
- Inflammatory and Immune Processes: Examining the role of neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation
- Vascular Factors: Investigating impaired cerebral blood flow and endothelial dysfunction
- Metabolic Abnormalities: Considering disruptions in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function
The review evaluates potential treatments and management strategies targeting cognitive dysfunction -
- Pharmacological Interventions: Assessing the effectiveness of medications aimed at improving cognitive function, such as stimulants or cholinesterase inhibitors
- Non-Pharmacological Approaches: Investigating cognitive rehabilitation, pacing strategies, and lifestyle modifications
- Emerging Therapies: Exploring novel treatments targeting underlying mechanisms, such as immune modulation or metabolic support
By providing an up-to-date overview of the aetiology and potential treatments for cognitive dysfunction in ME, this review contributes valuable insights for both researchers and clinicians. It can help guide future research directions, inform clinical practice, and ultimately improve the lives of individuals affected by ME.
Thanks to our supporters that allow us to sustain the foundations of the Centre of Excellence for ME ` and augment the research with new ideas, new collaborations and a development of the strategy of research at Quadram Institute.