CONTEXT: Cognitive compromise is one of the main contributing factors to activity and participation restrictions in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Computer-aided programs are used for retraining memory and attention, but data on the efficacy of these interventions are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of computer-aided retraining of memory and attention in people with MS impaired in these abilities. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients (n=82) with subjective complaints of poor attention or memory, confirmed by a score <80th percentile in at least two tests of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRBNT). INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to two computer-assisted retraining interventions: memory and attention (study arm), and visuo-constructional and visuo-motor coordination (control arm). Both groups received 16 training sessions over 8 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Improvement of 20% or more in at least two BRBNT test scores at 8 weeks compared to baseline (primary end point). Changes in depression and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: An improvement occurred in 45% of study patients vs. 43% of control patients (odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 0.44-2.64). The study treatment was better than the control treatment only on the word list generation test (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: This trial does not support the efficacy of specific memory and attention retraining in MS.
RCT Entities:
CONTEXT: Cognitive compromise is one of the main contributing factors to activity and participation restrictions in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Computer-aided programs are used for retraining memory and attention, but data on the efficacy of these interventions are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of computer-aided retraining of memory and attention in people with MS impaired in these abilities. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients (n=82) with subjective complaints of poor attention or memory, confirmed by a score <80th percentile in at least two tests of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRBNT). INTERVENTIONS:Participants were randomized to two computer-assisted retraining interventions: memory and attention (study arm), and visuo-constructional and visuo-motor coordination (control arm). Both groups received 16 training sessions over 8 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Improvement of 20% or more in at least two BRBNT test scores at 8 weeks compared to baseline (primary end point). Changes in depression and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: An improvement occurred in 45% of study patients vs. 43% of control patients (odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 0.44-2.64). The study treatment was better than the control treatment only on the word list generation test (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: This trial does not support the efficacy of specific memory and attention retraining in MS.
Authors: Andrea Giordano; Silvia Testa; Marta Bassi; Sabina Cilia; Antonio Bertolotto; Maria Esmeralda Quartuccio; Erika Pietrolongo; Monica Falautano; Monica Grobberio; Claudia Niccolai; Beatrice Allegri; Rosa Gemma Viterbo; Paolo Confalonieri; Ambra Mara Giovannetti; Eleonora Cocco; Maria Grazia Grasso; Alessandra Lugaresi; Elisa Ferriani; Ugo Nocentini; Mauro Zaffaroni; Alysha De Livera; George Jelinek; Alessandra Solari; Rosalba Rosato Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2019-11-09 Impact factor: 4.147
Authors: Nadina B Lincoln; Lucy E Bradshaw; Cris S Constantinescu; Florence Day; Avril Er Drummond; Deborah Fitzsimmons; Shaun Harris; Alan A Montgomery; Roshan das Nair Journal: Health Technol Assess Date: 2020-01 Impact factor: 4.014
Authors: S Bonavita; R Sacco; M Della Corte; S Esposito; M Sparaco; A d'Ambrosio; R Docimo; A Bisecco; L Lavorgna; D Corbo; S Cirillo; A Gallo; F Esposito; G Tedeschi Journal: J Neurol Date: 2014-10-12 Impact factor: 4.849