Fig. 3

Longitudinal evolution of the default network’s RS-FC in MS. RS-CF is elevated early in the disease, as compared to healthy age-related controls, but subsequently drops down again, first to normal levels and then to reduced levels in more advanced patients. Impaired cognition seems to be associated with early increases and late decreases, most likely reflecting initial functional compensation followed by exhaustion of these mechanisms. RS-FC: resting-state functional connectivity, CIS: clinically isolated syndrome. RR: relapsing-remitting, MS: multiple sclerosis