Computer-Based Cognitive Rehab Improves Attentional Functions in MS Patients: Presented at ECTRIMS
[Presentation title: Effects of Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis. Abstract P428]

Computer-based drill and practice cognitive rehabilitation can be used to help improve attentional functions in patients with MS researchers reported here at the 22nd Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).

"Speech information processing in attentional tasks gets better with a cognitive rehabilitation program that is computerised and tailor made," said lead investigator Marta Renom, BA, speech and language therapist, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation - Day Hospital, Barcelona, Spain. She presented the findings on September 28th....

Statistically significant improvements were observed in the treatment group that received computer-based rehabilitation. Reaction times in tonic alertness (P = .035), phasic alertness (P = .017) and divided attention (P = .017) all improved significantly.

"Less consistent changes were found for executive functions subtests, memory and language domains, as well as emotional and quality of life indicators," the authors wrote.....

The investigators concluded that a computer-based drill and practice cognitive rehabilitation program could be useful for improving attentional functions in patients with MS.

"The most basic attentional function (tonic alertness) seems to be the most sensitive. Its effect on other cognitive domains such as executive functions, language and memory is less well defined, as well as its generalisation to quality of life and emotional aspects," they added.