Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

Although cognitive impairment is common and disabling in multiple sclerosis (MS), there are no approved pharmacological treatments for it. Fortunately, there is now good evidence that cognitive rehabilitation is effective in MS. However, most healthcare providers are unaware of these treatment options.

The aim of this article is to outline the evidence supporting cognitive rehabilitation in MS.

Often beneficial as a brief cognitive rehabilitation intervention is the psychoeducational feedback session provided after a neuropsychological assessment. Beyond this, more intensive compensatory and restorative cognitive rehabilitation interventions can be effective in MS. Choosing an intervention will depend on the patients' goals, which may range from specific everyday activity/participation goals to preserving existing cognitive functioning by building up cognitive reserve or delaying further cognitive decline by slowing the underlying neurobiological changes. General practitioners can best assist their patients by understanding the treatment options and facilitating their patients' access to the most appropriate cognitive rehabilitation services available.