Abstract
Background
Systematic reviews have indicated a low level of evidence for the positive effects
of neuropsychological and cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS). How
permanent the positive effects are, is unknown.
Objective
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether short-term neuropsychological
rehabilitation has long-term beneficial effects in a nine-month follow-up.
Methods
102 relapsing–remitting MS patients with subjective and objective attentional deficits
were randomized into intervention and control groups. Altogether 78 out of 102 patients
(76%) completed the longitudinal follow-up (intervention group 83%, control group
67%). Intervention group received strategy-oriented neuropsychological rehabilitation
conducted once a week in 60-minute sessions during thirteen consecutive weeks. The
control group received no intervention. Cognitive deficits, mood, fatigue, impact
of disease, and quality of life were evaluated with self-reports at baseline, six
months, and one year from baseline.
Results
The positive effects of neuropsychological rehabilitation on perceived cognitive deficits
were maintained for nine months. Among a subgroup of patients with moderate to severe
attentional deficits, positive rehabilitation outcome was even more evident.
Conclusion
The beneficial effects of strategy-oriented neuropsychological rehabilitation on perceived
cognitive deficits in MS may be maintained for at least one year after the beginning
of the intervention.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 05, 2013
Accepted:
August 12,
2013
Received in revised form:
August 8,
2013
Received:
May 23,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
