Neurological update: cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

“…All forms of cognitive rehabilitation are presumed to work at the neurobiological level via the harnessing of neuroplasticity processes, such as brain activation and increased functional connectivity, 5,6 and possibly by stabilising the brain's network physiology. 7 In addition, in people with MS, beneficial neurobiological changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, improved regulation of serotonin…”

“…There has been an exponential growth of research in MS cognitive rehabilitation over the past decade that has provided evidence supporting a wide range of compensatory and restorative interventions for treating mild-to-moderate cognitive impairments in MS. [4][5][6][7]10 Given that approximately 50% of people with MS experience mild-tomoderate cognitive impairment, 17 these interventions should be routinely considered as treatment options by their GPs.…”

“…5,7,26 Some of these computerised interventions can be accessed online, so they should be accessible by people with MS living in rural and remote locations or by those who are unable to travel easily. Many of these interventions have been shown to increase functional connectivity in resting-state brain networks, suggesting that the training may result in greater neuroplasticity 6 and some protection of cognitive reserve. 4 Both compensatory and restorative forms of cognitive rehabilitation interventions can improve a patient's everyday cognitive functioning, quality of life, mood and/or coping with cognitive impairments in daily life, not just improve their performance on cognitive tests.…”

Deploying Serious Games for Cognitive Rehabilitation

“…Telerehabilitation was initially used in motor rehabilitation, but it was later discovered to be beneficial in cognitive rehabilitation [22,23]. Specific cognitive capacities can be severely impaired due to various conditions and events, the majority of which are agerelated issues such as dementia, circulatory difficulties, head traumas, persistent mental diseases, or brain pathology [24][25][26].…”

A Study Protocol for Occupational Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis

“…Although the focus on this topic is a relatively recent phenomenon, the growth of research studies addressing the need for effective cognitive rehabilitation programs has been substantial over the past decade, as is well documented in the literature [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. In this context, for instance, in recent years the Italian National MS Society (Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla-AISM) has recommended remedial interventions and accommodations to manage cognitive impairment and improve everyday functioning in both adult and pediatric MS populations [20].…”