Memory
Research
Memory difficulties are the most commonly reported cognitive difficulties by people with MS. Laboratory studies have shown that groups of people with MS tend to be less efficient at memory tasks than people without MS. This includes remembering lists and remembering words that were paired with another word. Sometimes recognising words that have been seen before is not as hard as remembering words without any cue. There is evidence that memory problems in MS are secondary to a primary slowing of processing speed.
There is quite a lot of evidence that how information is presented to people with MS can make a big difference to how ell they are able to remember it. If people with MS organise and “think” about the information as it is presented (“processing” and “encoding”), they do better at remembering. Reducing the information presented to essentials and removing non-essential items also helps. Cues and prompts are most helpful when the person with MS has thought of them themselves, rather than someone else thinking them up on their behalf.
Cognitive difficulties
Further Reading
Prakash RS, Snook EM, Lewis JM, et al. Cognitive impairment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis. Mult Scler 2008;14:1250-61.
Rehabilitation
Some studies which have investigated how computerised packages can improve memory in MS have produced no evidence that they do. However, one programme which adapted to each person’s starting memory level, gave feedback and adapted to each person’s rate of progress did produce improvement in memory function. Teaching people with MS to incorporate information to be remembered into a story (and thus use context and imagery) did improve the memory of those with more marked memory difficulties.
Further Reading
Goverover Y, Chiaravalloti N, DeLuca J. Self-generation to improve learning and memory of functional activities in persons with multiple sclerosis: meal preparation and managing finances. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2008;89:1514-21.
Hildebrandt H, Lanz M, Hahn HK, et al. Cognitive training in MS: effects and relation to brain atrophy. Res Neurol Neurosci 2007;25:33-43.
Brenk A, Laun K, Haase CG. Short-term cognitive training improves mental efficacy and mood in patients with multiple sclerosis. Eur Neurol 2008;60:304-9.
Allen DA, Goldstein G, Heyman RA. Teaching memory strategies to persons with multiple sclerosis. J Rehab Res Dev 1998;35:405-410.
Chiaravalloti ND, DeLuca J, Moore NB, et al. Treating learning impairments improves memory performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomised clinical trial. Mult Scler 2005;11:58-68.
Tesar N, Bandion K, Baumhackl U. Efficacy of a neuropsychological training programme for patients with mutiple sclerosis- a randomised controlled trial. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2005;117:747-54.