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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2010 Jan 15;288(1-2):101-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.09.024. Epub 2009 Oct 13.

Efficacy and specificity of intensive cognitive rehabilitation of attention and executive functions in multiple sclerosis

Flavia Mattioli  1 , Chiara Stampatori, Deborah Zanotti, Giovanni Parrinello, Ruggero Capra
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy and specificity of intensive cognitive rehabilitation of attention and executive functions in multiple sclerosis

Flavia Mattioli et al. J Neurol Sci. .

Erratum in

  • J Neurol Sci. 2011 Apr 15;303(1-2):151. Flavia, Mattioli [corrected to Mattioli, Flavia]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a computer-based intensive training program of attention, information processing and executive functions in patients with clinically-stable relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) and low levels of disability. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A total of 150 patients with RR MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of < or =4 were examined. Information processing, working memory and attention were assessed by the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and executive functions by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Twenty patients who scored below certain cut-off measures in both tests were included in this double-blind controlled study. Patients were casually assigned to a study group (SG) or a control group (CG) and underwent neuropsychological evaluation at baseline and after 3 months. Patients in the SG received intensive computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation of attention, information processing and executive functions for 3 months; the CG did not receive any rehabilitation.

Setting: Ambulatory patients were sent by the MS referral center.

Outcome measures: Improvement in neuropsychological test and scale scores.

Results: After rehabilitation, only the SG significantly improved in tests of attention, information processing and executive functions (PASAT 3'' p=0.023, PASAT 2'' p=0.004, WCSTte p=0.037), as well as in depression scores (MADRS p=0.01). Neuropsychological improvement was unrelated to depression improvement in regression analysis.

Conclusions: Intensive neuropsychological rehabilitation of attention, information processing and executive functions is effective in patients with RR MS and low levels of disability, and also leads to improvement in depression.

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