Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: a review of the literature

Introduction

Cognitive impairment is now well-known in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, few rehabilitation interventions are proposed or really efficient.

Objectives

To present a review of cognitive rehabilitation intervention research conducted in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), regarding different findings about episodic memory, working memory, attention and executive function disorders in MS.

Data sources

A search of Medline (yield 20 papers) and of PsychInfo (yield 1 article), using combinations of the following terms: cognitive rehabilitation, multiple sclerosis, cognitive therapy, neuropsychological rehabilitation, in the title or in the abstract, from 1960 to March 2010, excluding animal studies.

Results

Episodic memory rehabilitation studies appear to be promising. Programs on working memory, attention and executive functions are in the very early phases.

Conclusions

Results are encouraging and allow specific recommendations for future research about: (1) inclusion criteria, often not defined, (2) a specific baseline adapted to the program of rehabilitation, (3) a control measure regarding program efficiency and (4) a role for the psychologist (presence and advice during the program).