Group-based memory rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis: Subgroup analysis of the ReMiND trial

Abstract

Background/Aim Memory problems are frequently reported in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). These can be debilitating and affect individuals and their families. This subgroup analysis focused on the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation in patients with MS. Methods Data were extracted from a single-blind randomised controlled trial, the ReMiND trial, which also included participants with traumatic brain injury and stroke. Participants were randomly allocated to compensation or restitution treatment programmes, or a self-help control. The programmes were manual-based and comprised two individual sessions and ten group sessions. Outcome measures included assessments of memory, mood and activities of daily living. A total of 39 patients with MS participated in this study (ten males (26%), 29 females (74%); mean±SD age: 48.3±10.8 years). Results Comparison of groups showed no significant effect of treatment on memory, but there were significant differences between compensation and restitution on self-report symptoms of emotional distress at both five- (p=0.04) and seven-month (p=0.05) follow-up sessions. The compensation group showed less distress than the restitution group. Conclusions Individuals with MS who received compensation memory rehabilitation reported significantly less emotional distress than those who received restitution. Further research is needed to explore why self-reported memory problems did not differ between groups.