Group memory rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis: a feasibility randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a group memory rehabilitation programme combining compensation and restitution strategies.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Community.


METHODS
People with multiple sclerosis who reported memory difficulties were recruited.


METHODS
A group memory rehabilitation programme, comprising ten 1.5-hour sessions, was compared with a waiting list control.


METHODS
The primary outcome was the Everyday Memory Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included the General Health Questionnaire 28 and MS Impact Scale administered four and eight months after randomization. In addition, those in the intervention group gave feedback about the intervention.


RESULTS
Forty-eight participants were recruited. They were aged 34-72 years (mean 54.3, SD 11.0) and 33 (69%) were women. There were no significant differences between the two groups on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire or MS Impact Scale (P > 0.05) at four or eight months after randomization. However, the intervention group reported significantly better mood than controls on the GHQ-28 at eight months (P = 0.04). Participants showed minimal benefit from the memory rehabilitation programme on quantitative measures but the intervention was well received, as indicated by positive feedback at the end of the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no significant effect of the intervention on memory but there was a significant effect on mood. The results suggest a larger scale study is justified.
Central Surrey Health, The Poplars, Epsom, UK.
Sara E
SE
Carr
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Roshan
R
das Nair
Central Surrey Health, The Poplars, Epsom, UK.
Annette F
AF
Schwartz
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK nadina.lincoln@nottingham.ac.uk.
Nadina B
NB
Lincoln
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile
Multiple sclerosis; cognition; groups; memory; rehabilitation