Feasibility of cognitive rehabilitation in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: The feasibility of cognitive rehabilitation is rarely investigated in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis. Methods: Eighteen patients with advanced multiple sclerosis (median EDSS = 7.5) were randomized into restorative or compensatory cognitive rehabilitation. Feasibility was determined by adherence rate, completion rate, patient satisfaction, self-reported fatigue, training difficulty, and training duration. Results: Adherence rates and completion rates were over 70%, and patients were highly satisfied in both groups. Energy levels decreased minimally during the sessions (pre = 6.9 vs post = 6.4). Training difficulty (4.6) and duration (5.7) were close to ideal (scale 1–10, 5 = ideal). Conclusions: Cognitive rehabilitation, with minor adjustments, appears feasible in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis.