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Abstract

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are distinct autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the central nervous system. While both conditions involve demyelination and inflammation, their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical manifestations differ significantly. One intriguing aspect that has garnered recent attention is the concept of brain age gap – a phenomenon where the brain's apparent age, as determined by neuroimaging techniques, deviates from the chronological age of an individual. This phenomenon has been observed in various neurological disorders and may provide valuable insights into the neurodegenerative processes occurring within the brain.

This review aims to explore the presence and significance of the brain age gap in NMOSD and MS. We will delve into the existing literature to comprehend how these disorders contribute to accelerated brain aging and whether the brain age gap holds diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic implications. By comparing the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentations, and neuroimaging findings of NMOSD and MS, we seek to unravel whether the brain age gap is a shared feature or distinct between the two diseases. This investigation is crucial not only for advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms but also for developing tailored interventions that target the unique neurodegenerative processes occurring in NMOSD and MS.