Efficacy of a Computer-Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Behavioural Neurology, 2017 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5919841 · Published: December 31, 2017

Simple Explanation

Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting 40–65% of individuals. This study examined if a computer-based cognitive training program could help. Fifty-eight patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and mild to moderate cognitive issues were divided into two groups: one received computer-assisted cognitive training, and the other received standard clinical care. The group receiving computer training showed significant improvements in memory, attention, and executive functions, and these benefits lasted for at least six months for attention.

Study Duration

10 weeks

Participants

58 clinically stable RRMS patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment

Evidence Level

Level 1: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
Patients receiving computer-assisted cognitive training showed significant improvements in verbal and visuospatial episodic memory from pre- to postassessment.
2
Improvements in attention were retained over 6 months, indicating long-term benefits of the intervention.
3
Treated patients rated the intervention positively and expressed more confidence in their cognitive abilities after treatment.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effectiveness of a 10-week computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation intervention (RehaCom) on cognitive functioning in relapsing-remitting MS patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairments. The intervention group (IG) showed significant improvements in verbal and visuospatial episodic memory, processing speed/attention, and executive functioning from pre- to postassessment, with attention improvements retained over 6 months. The study suggests that computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation can be a helpful tool for improving cognitive functions in RRMS patients, with potential long-term benefits, particularly for attention.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (e.g., RehaCom) can be integrated into clinical practice to improve cognitive functions in RRMS patients.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs for MS patients should consider incorporating domain-specific cognitive training modules to target areas such as attention, processing speed, and memory.

Future Research

Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of cognitive rehabilitation and to identify the neural correlates of cognitive improvement in MS patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study was not blinded.
2
The control group received only standard clinical care, without a placebo intervention.
3
Depression and fatigue were assessed only at baseline.

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