As part of normal ageing, there is a small volume of brain volume loss as we grow older, thought to start occurring from our mid-twenties. Atrophy refers to this brain shrinkage. For people with MS, this brain volume loss is slightly more than for people without MS. This is thought to be due to the MS brain lesions becoming inflamed and later healing and shrinking, leading to loss of brain tissue over time.
The introduction of highly sensitive MRI technology in the last decade has shifted focus to the importance of measuring this brain volume loss (atrophy) and seeing how it relates to MS progression for each person. Nowadays it is one of the key factors your neurologist will look for in examining your MRI scans. This is another reason why early reporting of any cognition issues you notice is vital – so your MS healthcare team can assess and advise on your individual situation.