Abstract
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and specificity of direct computer-assisted memory retraining (CR) in MS patients, in comparison to non-specific retraining, while controlling for severity of impairment, psychiatric symptoms and retest effects. Sixty patients with definite MS and a stable clinical condition were selected. All were assessed neuropsychologically and divided into three matched groups. One group received an 8-week specific CR programme (SCRP) and another received a non-specific 8-week CR programme (NCRP) to retrain attention; a third (control) group received no treatment. After the programmes were completed, all patients were reexamined with the same test battery. Patients were impaired on all 11 memory and attention tests at baseline. Those who received SCRP improved on 7 memory outcome measures, compared to only 1 in the NCRP group and none in the control group. Attention training had no significant effect on relevant outcome measures. Some non-retrained patients showed deterioration of cognitive performance at retest. These results indicate that direct memory training in MS patients is effective in the short-term and is specific. In selected cases, benefits extended to everyday life activities.
Sommario
Abbiamo valutato l'efficacia e la specificità della riabilitazione diretta della memoria in pazienti con sclerosi multipla (SM) clinicamente definita. Sessanta pazienti con SM in fase stabile sono stati suddivisi in tre gruppi di pari numerosità e paragonabili per disabilità alla EDSS (expanded disability status scale) e durata di malattia e valutati con una batteria di 11 test di memoria e attenzione. Al primo gruppo è stato offerto un training della memoria assistito da computer consistente in due sedute settimanali di 45 min ciascuna per un periodo di 8 settimane. Al secondo gruppo è stato offerto un analogo training mirato a migliorare l'attentione. Il terzo gruppo estato solo sottoposto alle valutazioni neuropsicologiche di ingresso e termine dello studio. All' ingresso, i pazienti hanno mostrato deficit significativi alla batteria di valutazione. Dopo il trattamento , il gruppo sottoposto a training specifico ha mostrato miglioramenti significativi in 7 degli 11 test, il gruppo assegnato al training aspecifico ha migliorato in un solo test, mentre il gruppo non trattato e rimasto sostanzialmente stabile, nonostante alcuni componenti abbiano evidenziato un decremento delle prestazioni cognitive. Il training dell'attenzione non ha prodotto variazioni significative della velocità di risposta I risultati di questo studio suggeriscono the il training diretto della memoria sia, almeno a breve termine, efficace, e the sia specifico. In alcuni casi abbiamo potuto rilevare the i benefici si estendono alle attivitd della vita quotidiana.
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Mendozzi, L., Pugnetti, L., Motta, A. et al. Computer-assisted memory retraining of patients with multiple sclerosis. Ital J Neuro Sci 19 (Suppl 6), S431–S438 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00539601
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00539601