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Updated: May 31, 2026
Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
Cognitively stimulating activities in multiple sclerosis: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Andreas Kirknæs Færk1, Finn Sellebjerg2, Jakob Lindegaard Lund1
1Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Valdemar Hansens Vej 13, 2600 Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Background:
Cognitively stimulating activities (CSAs) are associated with cognitive reserve in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).
Objective:
To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of increased CSA engagement on objective and subjective cognition.
Methods:
Using computer-generated allocation tables, sixty non-depressed pwMS were randomized (1:1), stratified by disease course, to a 12-week CSA intervention or passive control. The main inclusion criteria were age 18-65, an Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 6.5, and cognitive impairment. Co-primary endpoints were mean change scores from baseline to 12-week follow-up on the oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ). These were assessed using Analysis of Covariance, adjusting for group, baseline score, and education. The trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.org (NCT05691192) RESULTS: There was no significant between-group difference in SDMT change scores (β = 2.35, 95% CI [-1.14, 5.85], p = 0.18). There was a significant difference in MSNQ change scores driven by worsening in the control group (β = -4.38, 95% CI [-7.58, -1.17], p = 0.0084).
Conclusion:
The intervention was not associated with improvements in objective cognition. Although a difference was observed for subjective cognition, this was driven by worsening in the control group.
