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A Multimodal, Nonpharmacologic Intervention Improves Mood and Cognitive Function in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Jennifer E Lee1,2, Babita Bisht3, Michael J Hall4,5
1a Department of Psychology , Mount Mercy University , Cedar Rapids , Iowa.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
|April 11, 2017
Summary
A 12-month multimodal intervention, including diet, exercise, and stress management, improved mood and cognitive function in adults with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Greater participation correlated with better outcomes, particularly from the modified Paleolithic diet.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutrition Science
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts mood and cognitive function.
- Existing treatments for MS often focus on disease-modifying therapies, with less emphasis on lifestyle interventions for symptom management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 12-month multimodal intervention in enhancing mood and cognitive performance in individuals with progressive MS.
Main Methods:
- A feasibility trial involving a home-based multimodal intervention: modified Paleolithic diet, exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (EStim), and stress management.
- Participants underwent assessments of mood, cognitive, and executive function at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Increased participation in the intervention correlated with significant improvements in anxiety, depression, cognitive function, and executive function from baseline to 12 months.
- The modified Paleolithic diet showed a stronger association with mood and cognitive benefits than exercise or stress management.
- Improvements in mood were observed early, while cognitive enhancements became apparent later in the intervention period. Fatigue reduction was significantly linked to mood and cognitive improvements.
Conclusions:
- A multimodal intervention combining diet, exercise, EStim, and stress management shows promise for improving mood and cognitive symptoms in progressive MS.
- This approach may enhance quality of life and functional capacity for individuals living with progressive MS.