Integrative Group-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis

Assessment protocol:

Patients underwent an extensive neuropsychological battery including test of attention, working memory, processing speed, verbal memory (learning and recall), verbal fluency and executive functioning. Sustained attention was measured using the Brief Test of Attention. For working memory, the Backward Digits subtest of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale III was used. Processing speed was assessed through the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the three and six letter version of the Salthouse Perceptual Comparison Test and the Trail Making Test A. Verbal memory was determined based on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test , learning and long-term recall performance. For verbal fluency, the Category (animals and supermarket) and Letter (P) Word Fluency Test from the Calibrated Ideational Fluency Assessment were utilized . Executive functioning was calculated by the word-color and interference scores of the Stroop Word-Color Test.

Additionally, several test and scales were administered. The Expanded Disability Status Scale was used for rating the degree of neurologic impairment. Premorbid IQ was tested by The Accentuation Reading Test. Cognitive reserve was estimated with the Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was included to assess patients´ depressive symptoms. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the mental fatigue Visual Analogue Scale were included to evaluate physical and mental fatigue, respectively.

Description of the intervention:

REHACOP is a structured program using paper-pencil tasks and it is based on the principles of restoration, compensation and optimization with a gradually increasing level of cognitive effort and demand. REHACOP trains different cognitive domains, such as attention, memory, processing speed, language, executive functioning and social cognition. Additionally, the program includes one unit related to functional outcome: activities of daily living. REHACOP includes up to 300 different tasks hierarchically organized into at least three levels of difficulty and subtypes of abilities. Several tasks are timed, so processing speed is trained throughout various modules. Once a basic cognitive strategy has been trained and well acquired, the therapist transitions the program to the next level. The program format allows for either individual or group sessions (between 5 and 8 patients per group), although for the purpose of this study, group sessions were chosen. In this study, two psychologists conducted the REHACOP group attending 60-minute-long sessions 3 days per week at Multiple Sclerosis Association of Biscay (ADEMBI) (four groups). Specifically, REHACOP group remediation with MS patients consisted of: Attention unit (4 weeks) training sustained, selective, alternant and divided attention; Memory unit (3 weeks) focusing on visual and verbal learning, recall and recognizing memory, as well as in working memory; Language unit (3 weeks) including verbal fluency, grammar, syntax, vocabulary, verbal comprehension, abstract language; Executive functions unit (2 weeks) training development, planning and attainment of objectives; and Social cognition unit (1 week) exercising theory of mind, social reasoning and moral dilemmas.

Inclusion criteria

i) age 20-60 years

ii) either male or female

iii) patients with relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive or primary progressive MS

Exclusion criteria

i) presence of dementia

ii) have suffered an exacerbation during the previous month to the cognitive assessment

iii) being treated with corticosteroids

iv) presence of other neurological disorder

v) history of stroke or traumatic brain injury resulting in more than 30 minutes loss of consciousness

vi) presence of psychiatric disorders