[Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: a review of the literature]

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive impairment is now well-known in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, few rehabilitation interventions are proposed or really efficient.

Objectives: To present a review of cognitive rehabilitation intervention research conducted in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), regarding different findings about episodic memory, working memory, attention and executive function disorders in MS.

Data sources: A search of Medline (yield 20 papers) and of PsychInfo (yield 1 article), using combinations of the following terms: cognitive rehabilitation, multiple sclerosis, cognitive therapy, neuropsychological rehabilitation, in the title or in the abstract, from 1960 to March 2010, excluding animal studies.

Results: Episodic memory rehabilitation studies appear to be promising. Programs on working memory, attention and executive functions are in the very early phases.

Conclusions: Results are encouraging and allow specific recommendations for future research about: (1) inclusion criteria, often not defined, (2) a specific baseline adapted to the program of rehabilitation, (3) a control measure regarding program efficiency and (4) a role for the psychologist (presence and advice during the program).