Effects of 4-week mindfulness training versus adaptive cognitive training on processing speed and working memory in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this preregistered, secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial (NCT02717429) was to compare the impact of 4-week mindfulness-based training and adaptive cognitive training, with a waitlist control condition, on processing speed and working memory in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Method: Sixty-one PwMS were randomized to mindfulness-based training (MBT), adaptive computerized cognitive training (aCT), or a waitlist (WL) control group and completed the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests at pre- and posttraining. Training-related changes on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) were the primary outcomes of interest. Baseline cognitive status was examined as a moderator of treatment gains. Practice time, change in aCT game difficulty, and rate of change in state awareness across MBT were assessed as correlates of cognitive gains. Findings: Compared with aCT and WL, mindfulness training significantly improved processing speed (ηp2 = .14). Baseline cognitive status did not moderate change in processing speed (ηp2 = .005) or working memory (ηp2 = .014). Practice time and change in game difficulty were not significantly correlated with cognitive gains (all ps > .49). In the MBT group, rate of change in awareness was significantly associated with improvement in working memory (ρ = .52, p = .04). Conclusions: In PwMS, 4 weeks of mindfulness meditation training improved processing speed above and beyond aCT and WL. More rapid change in awareness during mindfulness training may be associated with greater gains in working memory.

Inhibitory Control in Individuals with Clinical Levels of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

“…Conversely, clinical levels of GAD were associated with deficits in processing speed but not in inhibitory control. Accordingly, psychological interventions for depression and GAD might test the effect of including trainings in increasing skills in inhibitory control (e.g., Schroder et al, 2020) and processing speed (Manglani et al, 2020).…”

Mindfulness and Cognitive Training Interventions in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Impact on Cognition and Mood

“…Mindfulness is broadly defined as present-focused, nonjudgmental awareness, 23 and has yielded positive effects on mood, quality of life, and cognition among adults, 24,25 with mixed preliminary findings among older adults. [26][27][28][29] Mindfulness-based interventions have also shown promise in improving aspects of mood and cognition in Parkinson disease, 30 multiple sclerosis, 31,32 depression, and anxiety, 33 suggesting possible crossover benefit in mild cognitive impairment. Mindfulness is thought to cultivate emotion regulation and enhance psychological health via improved attentional awareness and control, reduced rumination, and increased tolerance of affective distress.…”

Mindfulness-based interventions for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative research studies

“…Cognitive impairment is common in PwMS and treatment options are limited [47]. A recent meta-analysis has indicated positive effects on cognitive functioning following MBI training in general populations [48] whilst recent pilot studies among PwMS suggest benefit [49][50][51].…”