Protective barrier around the brain in MS.

MS and Brain Volume: Can Early Treatment Slow Brain Volume Loss?

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Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"A new study explores the link between early interferon beta-1a treatment, brain volume, and disease activity in multiple sclerosis patients, offering insights for managing long-term brain health."


Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) covering nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness, and vision problems. While there's currently no cure for MS, treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

One area of concern in MS is brain volume loss, also known as brain atrophy. Research has shown that people with MS can experience a greater rate of brain volume loss compared to healthy individuals. This loss of brain volume is linked to the accumulation of physical disability and cognitive decline over time. Therefore, finding ways to minimize brain volume loss is a critical goal in MS management.

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience investigated the impact of early treatment with interferon beta-1a on brain volume loss in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The study aimed to determine whether early intervention could help slow down brain atrophy and improve long-term outcomes. This article explores the study's findings and what they mean for people living with MS.

Interferon Beta-1a and NEDA: A Closer Look

Protective barrier around the brain in MS.

The study followed 87 RRMS patients for three years, all of whom were treated with interferon beta-1a, a common medication used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks. The researchers tracked brain volume changes using MRI scans and assessed disease activity based on three factors: relapses, disability progression, and new or enlarged lesions on MRI. They then categorized patients into two groups: those who achieved No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA) and those who did not.

NEDA is a composite measure that indicates a patient is free from significant disease activity. In this study, NEDA was defined as the absence of the following:

  • Three-month confirmed disability progression, indicated by an increase in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score.
  • Confirmed relapses or MS attacks.
  • New or enlarged T2 lesions and/or gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions on MRI.
The study found a significant difference in brain volume loss between the two groups. Patients who achieved NEDA experienced a lower percentage of annualized brain volume loss (aBVL) compared to those who did not. Specifically, the aBVL from baseline to 24 months was -1.1% in the NEDA group versus -1.54% in the non-NEDA group (p < 0.001). From baseline to 36 months, the aBVL was -1.43% in the NEDA group versus -2.1% in the non-NEDA group (p < 0.001). This suggests that early treatment with interferon beta-1a may help slow brain atrophy, particularly in patients who achieve NEDA.

What Does This Mean for MS Patients?

This study provides valuable insights into the importance of early and effective treatment for MS. The findings suggest that initiating treatment with interferon beta-1a early in the course of RRMS may help slow down brain volume loss, especially in patients who achieve NEDA. This highlights the importance of working closely with a neurologist to develop a personalized treatment plan and closely monitor disease activity.

It's important to note that this study focused on a specific treatment (interferon beta-1a) and a specific population (RRMS patients with early-stage disease). More research is needed to determine whether these findings apply to other treatments and other types of MS. However, the study adds to the growing body of evidence that supports the benefits of early intervention in MS.

Ultimately, the goal of MS treatment is to minimize the long-term impact of the disease on brain health and overall quality of life. By working with healthcare professionals and actively managing their condition, people with MS can take steps to protect their brains and live full and active lives.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.10.095, Alternate LINK

Title: Brain Volume Loss And No Evidence Of Disease Activity Over 3 Years In Multiple Sclerosis Patients Under Interferon Beta 1A Subcutaneous Treatment

Subject: Physiology (medical)

Journal: Journal of Clinical Neuroscience

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: J.I. Rojas, F. Sanchez, F. Caro, J. Miguez, L. Patrucco, J. Funes, E. Cristiano

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to communication disruptions between the brain and the body. This can cause a range of symptoms such as fatigue, walking difficulties, numbness, and vision problems. While there is no cure, treatments like interferon beta-1a are used to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

2

Why is brain volume loss important in the context of MS?

Brain volume loss, also known as brain atrophy, is a significant concern in multiple sclerosis (MS). Individuals with MS often experience a greater rate of brain volume loss compared to healthy individuals. This loss is linked to the accumulation of physical disability and cognitive decline over time, making minimizing brain volume loss a critical goal in MS management. Early treatment interventions are being investigated to slow down the progression of this loss.

3

What is interferon beta-1a, and why is it used?

Interferon beta-1a is a medication commonly used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Studies are exploring its impact on brain volume loss. The study discussed uses interferon beta-1a in early treatment to slow brain atrophy. It's an important medication because it is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks. It works by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, which can help to protect the brain and nervous system.

4

What does No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA) mean?

NEDA, or No Evidence of Disease Activity, is a critical measure in managing multiple sclerosis (MS). It indicates that a patient is free from significant disease activity. NEDA is determined by the absence of confirmed disability progression, relapses or MS attacks, and new or enlarged lesions on MRI scans. The study found that patients achieving NEDA experienced less brain volume loss over time, underscoring the importance of effective treatment in controlling the disease.

5

What are the implications of these findings for people with MS?

The study's findings suggest that early treatment with interferon beta-1a may help slow brain volume loss, especially in patients who achieve NEDA. This highlights the importance of beginning treatment early in the course of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and closely monitoring disease activity. Working closely with a neurologist to develop a personalized treatment plan is essential for managing the disease and preserving neurological health.

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