Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

Joshua Sandry, Nadine Akbar, Mark Zuppichini, John DeLuca

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is one of several debilitating symptoms often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) that can negatively impact daily life. There is a strong need to design and test rehabilitation interventions directed at improving cognitive symptoms. Fortunately, studies investigating the efficacy of compensation strategies, cognitive training programs, and exercise interventions designed to improve cognition in individuals with MS are increasing, however, there are mixed results regarding study outcomes. In this chapter, we review some recent studies investigating the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation interventions and exercise interventions in individuals with MS. We begin by briefly describing the general features of cognitive impairment in MS and assume the reader has some background on this topic. Next, we provide an overview of some of the principles of cognitive rehabilitation as well as an introduction to methodological criteria that should be considered when evaluating the cognitive rehabilitation literature. In the second half of this chapter, we review some recent cognitive rehabilitation studies in MS by applying the criteria described in the methodological overview. This section of the review is divided on the basis of our interpretation of the study aims e.g., compensatory, restorative and exercise-based techniques, etc. We also discuss the results according to whether the outcome variable measured behavioral and/or neural changes. To foreshadow, evidence supporting cognitive rehabilitation is increasing, however, many studies suffer from serious methodological flaws, hampering generalizability and interpretation of findings. At the end of this chapter we will make some suggestions for future work in cognitive rehabilitation in MS.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch Progress in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Volume 6
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages195-233
Number of pages39
ISBN (Electronic)9781634852067
ISBN (Print)9781634851725
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2016

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