Is neuropsychological rehabilitation effective in multiple sclerosis?

Abstract

Cognitive deficits are common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), and evident even in the early stages of the disease. Cognitive functions most frequently affected are information processing, memory and learning, and attention. Deficits may have a multidimensional impact on quality of life by weakening the ability to work, impairing social functioning and increasing the strain of the caregiver. To date, no effective pharmacological treatment for cognitive decline has been established, although there is some evidence suggesting that disease-modifying therapies may help to preserve cognitive function. Neuropsychological rehabilitation aims at alleviation of the negative effects of cognitive impairments and has been found to be effective in patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury. This paper discusses the evidence on neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS based on a recent systematic literature review and suggests a model for alleviating the effects of cognitive impairments in MS. The preliminary research evidence on the effects of neuropsychological rehabilitation in MS is positive: rehabilitation may have favorable effects on patients' cognitive performance and coping with cognitive impairments. In clinical practice, the diagnostics and treatment of cognitive impairments should be improved. Neuropsychological rehabilitation should be an important part of a rehabilitation regimen in MS.