An RCT to treat learning impairment in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

This study provides Class I evidence that the mSMT behavioral intervention improves both objective memory and everyday memory in patients with MS over 5 weeks, with treatment effects lasting over a 6-month period.

Cognitive impairment in MS: rehabilitation approaches

“…A double-blind RCT study of Chiaravalloti et al 45 (n=86) is an example of a study on the effects of cognitive retraining in MS. In the study, the intervention group, which received education on context and imagery to facilitate learning (modified Story Memory Technique), was compared to a placebo group performing non-training-specific tasks.…”

Neuroenhancement through cognitive training and anodal tDCS in multiple sclerosis

“…Recently, intensive cognitive rehabilitation approaches targeting attention/information processing speed, memory and executive function [2][3][4][5] have been shown to have positive effects on cognitive deficits and quality of life in patients.…”

Examining the Efficacy of the Modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) in Persons With TBI Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

“…In the MS study, the treatment group showed improvements in performance on the CVLT slope and prose memory. 12,14 The TBI sample similarly showed improvement on prose memory but did not demonstrate improvements on the CVLT slope. This lack of change on the list-learning task in the TBI sample is thought to be due to the increased executive demands of the CVLT list-learning task, the presence of executive deficits in persons with TBI, and the limited efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in the presence of executive deficits in persons with TBI as well as other neurological populations.…”

“…A detailed description of the mSMT can be found elsewhere. 12,14,15 Briefly, the mSMT consists of 10 sessions during which 2 skills are taught to facilitate new learning-(1) visualization (sessions 1-4) and (2) context formation (sessions 5-8). The final 2 sessions (9 and 10) focus on applying the newly learned technique to daily life.…”

“…9,10 This study addresses this void in the literature, examining the efficacy of a 10-session memory rehabilitation protocol in persons with TBI, the modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT). The mSMT has been well validated in other neurologically impaired populations, with treated patients showing an improvement in new learning and memory abilities, 11,12 differences in patterns of cerebral activation and differences in functional connectivity 13 during learning 14,15 following treatment. This study examined the impact of treatment with the mSMT in persons with TBI on patterns of cerebral activation during learning.…”