Psychological interventions in multiple sclerosis: Improving cognition and quality of life

Publication date: Available online 25 October 2018Source: Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation MedicineAuthor(s): Caroline Harand, Gilles DeferAbstractMultiple sclerosis is often associated with impaired cognitive functioning, of mainly attention, information processing speed, executive functions and memory. Cognitive alterations have direct functional consequences for quality of life, ranging from occupational activities to personal life and professional career. Additionally, there is a complex interplay between cognitive impairment and affective functions, such as depression or anxiety, which in turn has a negative impact on quality of life. Therefore, current work aims to reduce the impact of cognitive alterations on daily life rather than only defining their nature and severity. For this purpose, programs of cognitive rehabilitation have been increasingly used over the last decades. Although promising, their effects have not been studied widely and further works are needed to demonstrate their real daily-life efficiency and their effects over the long-term. Cognitive remediation must be integrated in a wider perspective rather than improve specific task performance, in which psychological care as well as the patient’s feelings of being cared for and listened to remain essential. From this perspective, new approaches have developed in parallel. This extended review shows the potential benefit of cognitive-behavioral therapies, mindfulness or physical exercise on varied ...

Source: Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine - October 25, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research