cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairments affect about a third of RRMS patients: Analysis

About a third of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) exhibit cognitive impairments, according to a review by Australian researchers of 50 previously published studies. The findings suggest that cognitive issues might be somewhat less common in RRMS than previous reports have indicated, with prior estimates ranging from approximately…

We Have to Make the Effort to Care

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is hard. I know this is hardly a revelation, especially to those of us who struggle with it on the daily, but I felt like it needed to be said. I was scanning through articles on this site recently, seeing what my fellow…

Survey Results Show Impact of MS in All Aspects of Life

Multiple sclerosisĀ (MS) affects all aspects of life, from physical and mental health to relationships, and from work and finances to hobbies and holidays, according to results from an online survey conducted by the U.K.ā€™s MS Trust. Most respondents said they wanted more support to manage their fatigue, improve…

Cognitive Rehab ‘Effective, Low-risk’ in Treating Difficulties Due to MS

Cognitive rehabilitation is an effective therapy for cognitive problems brought on by multiple sclerosis (MS), a review study highlights. “Clinicians should consider this low-cost, low-risk, yet effective treatment approach for their patients,” its researchers wrote. The study, “Neurological update: cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis,” was published…

MS-Specific Cognitive Rehabilitation Tool Shows Promise in Pilot Study

A multiple sclerosis (MS)-specific computerized cognitive rehabilitation (CR) program led to significant improvements in mental skills among MS patients participating in a recent pilot study. These findings suggest that those with MS, and likely other disorders, might gain the greatest benefits from tailored cognitive tests that are specifically adapted…

Software Platform May Allow for Automated MS Cognitive Testing

A software platform, called CogniSoft, allows for automated assessments of cognitive health in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The platform was described in the study “CogniSoft: A Platform for the Automation of Cognitive Assessment and Rehabilitation of Multiple Sclerosis,” published in the journalĀ Computers. Cognitive impairment…

More Research Needed Into How Exercise, Rehab Aid Cognition in MS

Cognitive problems are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) but inadequately addressed by disease-modifying therapies, whileĀ cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training programs can be effective, a review study reported.Ā  Research studies of exercise programs need to include larger groups of patients with demonstrated cognitive difficulties, however, and more pharmacological…

MS News that Caught My Eye Last Week: Cognitive Impairment, Genetic Variant Risk Factor, Protein Biomarkers, Gilenya Study

Higher Intellectual Ability, Early-life Physical Activity May Protect Against Cognitive Impairment in MS, Study Suggests The finding that physical activity provides a protective effect for cognitive abilities makes sense to me. I recently listened to a webinar discussing brain atrophy, which has a direct relationship with cognitive impairment, and…

Higher Intellectual Ability, Early-life Physical Activity May Protect Against Cognitive Impairment in MS, Study Suggests

Higher intellectual ability and physical activity during childhood and adolescence may help protect against the development of cognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), an Italian study suggests. These findings, though preliminary, suggest that intellectual enrichment and early-life physical activity may reduce the likelihood of developing cognitive deficits…

Need to Know: What Exactly Is Cognition?

Editor’s note: “Need to Know” is a series inspired by common forum questions and comments from readers. Have a comment or question about MS? Visit our forum. This week’s question is inspired by the forum topic “What do you do to help strengthen your cognitive abilities?” from…

Kessler Foundation Scientist Receives NMSS Grant to Study Information Processing Speed in MS Patients

Kessler Foundation scientist Silvana Costa, PhD, was awarded a $477,000 grant from theĀ National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)Ā to explore the effects of visual, cognitive, and motor deficits on information processing speed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Costa is an associate research scientist in neuropsychology and neuroscience research.