[Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: preliminary results and presentation of a new program, PROCOG-SEP].
BACKGROUND
Although cognitive disorders are well-known in multiple sclerosis (MS), even in earlier stages of the disease, their management may be overlooked. Our objective was to elaborate and evaluate the efficiency of a remedial program (PROCOG-SEP) designed for MS patients. The evidence-based program proposes exercises to both stimulate preserved functions and develop new abilities compensating for cognitive disabilities.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients with MS participated in 10/2-hour PROCOG-SEP sessions over a 6-month period. A neuropsychologist recorded BCcog-SEP performances before and after the PROCOG-SEP program. In addition, the same neuropsychologist conducted psychoclinical interviews to complete the before and after cognitive evaluations. The statistical analysis used the t-test performed with Excel.


RESULTS
Compared with the initial levels, subtests of BCcog-SEP showing improvement after PROCOG-SEP were: verbal memory (SRT), visuospatial memory (10/36), verbal fluency (animal categories) and response to conflicting orders. Also, individual psychological interviews tended to be in favor of a general improvement in quality of life (more social interactions for instance).


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, the management program we have elaborated is the first designed to improve cognitive deficits in MS. These encouraging results suggest possibilities for improving cognition and thus quality-of-life in MS patients.
Brissart
H
H
Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Central, CHU de Nancy, Avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 54035 Nancy Cedex, France.
Leroy
M
M
Debouverie
M
M
D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011788:Quality of Life; D014705:Verbal Behavior / Q000502:physiology