Integrated Cognitive Rehabilitation Home-Based Protocol to Improve Cognitive Functions in Multiple Sclerosis...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cognitive impairment (CI) affects 40-65% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
• Previous cognitive rehabilitation efforts in MS have yielded inconsistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an Integrated Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (ICRP) for improving CI in MS patients.
• To assess the impact of ICRP on cognitive functions, including verbal learning, visuospatial memory, attention, and executive functions.

Main Methods:

• Forty MS patients were randomized into an experimental group (EG, n=20) receiving 10-week ICRP and a control group (CG, n=20).
• Cognitive functions were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up using standardized tests (CVLT, BVMTR, Numerical Stroop, Wisconsin).

Main Results:

• EG patients demonstrated significant improvements in verbal learning, visuospatial memory, attention, and executive functions compared to CG.
• The ICRP showed a positive impact on multiple cognitive domains affected by MS.

Conclusions:

• Home-based ICRP effectively enhances cognitive functions and mitigates cognitive decline in MS patients.
• ICRP may play a crucial role in preserving neuronal flexibility and limiting cognitive dysfunction progression in MS.