title: Efficacy of an executive function intervention programme in MS: a placebo-controlled and pseudo-randomized trial.
abstract: We evaluated a rehabilitation programme for executive deficits in multiple sclerosis patients by comparing outcome scores of a cognitive intervention group (CIG; n = 11) with those of a placebo group (n = 14) and an untreated group (n = 15). Executive functioning and verbal learning improved significantly more in the CIG. The treatment effect on verbal learning was still present at 1-year follow-up. Baseline brain atrophy, quantified by the brain parenchymal fraction, was associated with treatment effects for one aspect of executive functioning. Consequently, cognitive intervention may be beneficial and baseline brain atrophy has some predictive value in determining treatment outcome for executive functioning.
authors.affiliation: Klinikum Bremen-Ost, Department of Neurology, Züricher Str. 40, 28325 Bremen, Germany. Frauke.Fink@gmx.net
authors.forename: Frauke
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rischkau
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Butt
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eling
authors.forename: Helmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hildebrandt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015990:Placebo Effect; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014705:Verbal Behavior