Testing the Feasibility of Computer-based Cognitive Training in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis Living in the Community

Summary

Cognitive impairments are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosed both at the onset and throughout the disease course. Poor cognitive abilities have been associated with poor outcomes such as higher levels of unemployment, poor quality of life, driving difficulties among others. Learning and memory are a common cognitive deficit. This computer-based cognitive training is a 10-session treatment proven to be effective in ameliorating learning and memory in individuals with MS across 3 realms of functioning: objective cognitive performance, daily life activities and neuroimaging. Despite this strong efficacy, as well as the recent clinical application of this computer-based cognitive training across the world, recent in-person studies have highlighted that transportation to the clinic to complete treatment sessions is a significant obstacle to clinical use of this effective treatment. To address this limitation, the proposed pilot study will test the efficacy of the computer-based cognitive training administered remotely via zoom health in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Eligibility

Age range

19–65 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Behavioral
  Learning and memory training

  The experimental group will receive memory retraining exercises administered on a laptop computer via Zoom Health twice a week for five weeks (10 training sessions).

• Behavioral
  Sham Comparator

  The sham comparator group will receive sham memory exercises administered on a laptop computer via Zoom Health twice a week for five weeks (10 placebo control sessions).

Location