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Computer-aided retraining of memory and attention in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, double-blind
Alessandra Solari1, Achille Motta, Laura Mendozzi
1Laboratory of Epidemiology, National Neurological Institute C. Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy. solari@istituto-besta.it
Context:
Cognitive compromise is one of the main contributing factors to activity and participation restrictions in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Computer-aided programs are used for retraining memory and attention, but data on the efficacy of these interventions are scarce.
Objective:
To assess the efficacy of computer-aided retraining of memory and attention in people with MS impaired in these abilities.
Design And Setting:
Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
Participants:
Outpatients (n=82) with subjective complaints of poor attention or memory, confirmed by a score <80th percentile in at least two tests of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRBNT).
Interventions:
Participants were randomized to two computer-assisted retraining interventions: memory and attention (study arm), and visuo-constructional and visuo-motor coordination (control arm). Both groups received 16 training sessions over 8 weeks.
Outcome Measures:
Improvement of 20% or more in at least two BRBNT test scores at 8 weeks compared to baseline (primary end point). Changes in depression and health-related quality of life.
Results:
An improvement occurred in 45% of study patients vs. 43% of control patients (odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 0.44-2.64). The study treatment was better than the control treatment only on the word list generation test (p=0.016).
Conclusions:
This trial does not support the efficacy of specific memory and attention retraining in MS.
