title: A RCT Comparing Specific Intensive Cognitive Training to Aspecific Psychological Intervention in RRMS: The SMICT Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Specific cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS) resulted to be effective compared to no treatment. So far the possible role of an aspecific psychological intervention on cognition has not been investigated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the SMICT RCT was to compare the efficacy of a specific cognitive training with an aspecific psychological intervention in relapsing-remitting MS patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  From a sample of 150 patients, with the same disability and immunomodulatory therapy, submitted to neuropsychological examination, 45 impaired in at least one test were included and 41 randomized to have either a specific cognitive training for the impaired function (22) or to an aspecific psychological intervention (19) for 4 months, starting after baseline examination. Neuropsychological tests and functional scales were administered at baseline and 1 year later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 1 year, the mean number of pathological tests was significantly lower in the specific treatment group, compared to the aspecific group. Memory and attention/speeded information processing functions were mostly improved. Depression and quality of life were not different between groups at follow up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study demonstrates that an intensive and domain specific cognitive approach results to be more effective than aspecific psychological intervention in patients with MS.
authors: Neuropsychology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia , Brescia , Italy.
authors: Flavia
authors: F
authors: Mattioli
authors: Neuropsychology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia , Brescia , Italy.
authors: Chiara
authors: C
authors: Stampatori
authors: Neuropsychology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia , Brescia , Italy.
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Bellomi
authors: Clinica Neurologica, University of Ancona , Ancona , Italy.
authors: Maura
authors: M
authors: Danni
authors: Clinica Neurologica, University of Ancona , Ancona , Italy.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Compagnucci
authors: Clinica Neurologica, MS Center, University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Uccelli
authors: Clinica Neurologica, MS Center, University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy.
authors: Matteo
authors: M
authors: Pardini
authors: Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Valtellina Valchiavenna , Sondrio , Italy.
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Santuccio
authors: Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Valtellina Valchiavenna , Sondrio , Italy.
authors: Giuditta
authors: G
authors: Fregonese
authors: Neurology Unit, Fidenza Hospital , Parma , Italy.
authors: Marianna
authors: M
authors: Pattini
authors: Neurology Unit, Fidenza Hospital , Parma , Italy.
authors: Beatrice
authors: B
authors: Allegri
authors: Neurology Unit, Como Hospital , Como , Italy.
authors: Raffaella
authors: R
authors: Clerici
authors: Neurology Unit, Como Hospital , Como , Italy.
authors: Annalisa
authors: A
authors: Lattuada
authors: Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Pavia University , Pavia , Italy.
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Montomoli
authors: Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Pavia University , Pavia , Italy.
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Corso
authors: MS Center, Spedali Civili di Brescia , Brescia , Italy.
authors: Ruggero
authors: R
authors: Capra
keywords: attention; cognitive rehabilitation; executive functions memory; information processing speed; multiple sclerosis; multiple sclerosis cognitive rehabilitation
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