Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Clinical Neurology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS), impacting daily function and quality of life.
• Addressing cognitive deficits is crucial for both clinical practice and research in MS management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review cognitive rehabilitation interventions for individuals with MS.
• To identify strengths and weaknesses in existing research and guide future studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science databases up to January 2014.
• Inclusion of studies with methodological limitations to provide a comprehensive overview.
• Categorization of articles by outcome measures including cognition, imaging, mood, fatigue, quality of life, and self-perceived cognitive deficits.

Main Results:

• 33 studies met inclusion criteria; most reported cognitive improvements (31/33).
• Evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in MS is inconclusive.
• No definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the impact of different interventions on outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Conflicting findings exist regarding the efficacy of various cognitive rehabilitation techniques in MS patients.
• More methodologically rigorous studies are required.
• Future research should focus on clarifying which rehabilitation approaches yield the greatest clinical benefits.