Attention

Research

Cognitive difficulties

Concentration and attention difficulties are the most likely problems to show on clinical tests of cognition. The more demanding the task (the more processing resources required), the more likely that someone with MS will have trouble.

Further Reading

Costa SL, Genova HM, DeLuca J, Chiaravalloti ND. Information processing speed in multiple sclerosis: Past, present, and future. Mult Scler. 2016 May 1:1352458516645869

Rehabilitation

Several studies have investigated the effect of computer training programmes on attention and concentration and most have not demonstrated an improvement. However, one study identified which type of attention was weakest for each person (selective attention, divided attention, vigilance, or alertness). The weakest type of attention was then trained by computer programme. The type of attention that had been trained improved, whilst the untrained types of attention did not improve for the individuals participating.

Further Reading

Pedullà L, Brichetto G, Tacchino A, Vassallo C, Zaratin P, Battaglia MA, Bonzano L, Bove M. Adaptive vs. non-adaptive cognitive training by means of a personalized App: a randomized trial in people with multiple sclerosis. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2016 Oct 4;13(1):88.

Pérez-Martín MY, González-Platas M, Eguía-Del Río P, Croissier-Elías C, Jiménez Sosa A. Efficacy of a short cognitive training program in patients with multiple sclerosis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017 Feb 3;13:245-252. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S124448.

Rilo O, Peña J, Ojeda N, Rodríguez-Antigüedad A, Mendibe-Bilbao M, Gómez-Gastiasoro A, DeLuca J, Chiaravalloti N, Ibarretxe-Bilbao N. Integrative group-based cognitive rehabilitation efficacy in multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial. Disabil Rehabil. 2016 Dec 7:1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1250168.