Contributions
Abstract: 224
Type: Oral
Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) presents a considerable burden to patients and to society, due to the negative impact on function, including maintaining employment, activities of daily living, social activity, and the capacity to benefit from in-patient rehabilitation . In some individuals with MS the impact of cognitive impairment can be profound, even if physical functioning remains relatively intact. Interventions to ameliorate or reduce cognitive impairment, as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, may benefit patient function and quality of life. Typically, not all domains of cognitive functioning are impaired in MS. Although the profile of cognitive deficits varies among patients, memory (long-term, explicit, epi sodic), complex attention, information processing speed and executive functions are most commonly involved. Effective cognitive rehabilitation programs in clinical settings do not only employ techniques designed solely to improve specific domains of cognitive function, but also typically include psychotherapy for addressing emotional issues and interventions designed to improve related factors such as behavioral and personality difficulties. As specific cognitive interventions are an important component of a comprehensive rehabilitation programs, understanding the impact on specific interventions on those domains of function that are of greatest clinical relevance in MS is important. Over the past decade the research in the field has improved with some rigorously conducted trials, based either on behavioral techniques or computer-based techniques. Some positive results have been found, particularly in the field of memory, attention, information speed and executive function. These results are sometimes supported by imaging results showing changes in the pattern of brain activation and connectivity associated with improved cognitive performance. While a few cognitive rehabilitation programs are available and should be offered to MS patients, the treatment and prevention of cognitive impairment needs to remain a key research focus, identifying new interventions and improving clinical trial methodology.
Disclosure: Dr Amato received research grants and honoraria as a speaker and member of advisory boards by:
Bayer, Biogen Idec, Merck Serono, Novartis, Sanofi Genzyme, Teva, Almirall
Abstract: 224
Type: Oral
Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) presents a considerable burden to patients and to society, due to the negative impact on function, including maintaining employment, activities of daily living, social activity, and the capacity to benefit from in-patient rehabilitation . In some individuals with MS the impact of cognitive impairment can be profound, even if physical functioning remains relatively intact. Interventions to ameliorate or reduce cognitive impairment, as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, may benefit patient function and quality of life. Typically, not all domains of cognitive functioning are impaired in MS. Although the profile of cognitive deficits varies among patients, memory (long-term, explicit, epi sodic), complex attention, information processing speed and executive functions are most commonly involved. Effective cognitive rehabilitation programs in clinical settings do not only employ techniques designed solely to improve specific domains of cognitive function, but also typically include psychotherapy for addressing emotional issues and interventions designed to improve related factors such as behavioral and personality difficulties. As specific cognitive interventions are an important component of a comprehensive rehabilitation programs, understanding the impact on specific interventions on those domains of function that are of greatest clinical relevance in MS is important. Over the past decade the research in the field has improved with some rigorously conducted trials, based either on behavioral techniques or computer-based techniques. Some positive results have been found, particularly in the field of memory, attention, information speed and executive function. These results are sometimes supported by imaging results showing changes in the pattern of brain activation and connectivity associated with improved cognitive performance. While a few cognitive rehabilitation programs are available and should be offered to MS patients, the treatment and prevention of cognitive impairment needs to remain a key research focus, identifying new interventions and improving clinical trial methodology.
Disclosure: Dr Amato received research grants and honoraria as a speaker and member of advisory boards by:
Bayer, Biogen Idec, Merck Serono, Novartis, Sanofi Genzyme, Teva, Almirall