Computer-based Cognitive Training for Multiple Sclerosis

Overseen By Silvana L Costa Research Scientist, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Kessler Foundation

Disqualifiers: Recent exacerbation, Neurological history, Major depressive disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 5 weeks

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a computer-based cognitive training program designed to improve learning and memory for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The researchers aim to determine if remote training via Zoom can match the effectiveness of in-person sessions. Success could enhance everyday activities and overall quality of life for those with memory issues due to MS. Individuals with MS who speak English as their primary language and experience memory difficulties might find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could improve daily life for those with MS.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this computer-based cognitive training is safe for individuals with multiple sclerosis?

Research has shown that computer-based brain training is safe for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). A review of nine studies found that this training significantly improves memory in people with MS, with no serious side effects reported. The training involves computer exercises designed to enhance thinking skills, such as memory and learning.

Evidence so far suggests that this training is well-tolerated. Clinics worldwide have used it, and it maintains a good safety record. As a non-invasive treatment, it does not involve surgery or entering the body, presenting lower risks compared to other medical treatments. This makes it a promising option for improving thinking skills without major safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about computer-based cognitive training for multiple sclerosis because it offers a unique, remote approach to improving cognitive function, which is often overlooked in standard treatments like medication or physical therapy. Unlike traditional methods that focus on managing physical symptoms, this training targets cognitive challenges directly through interactive exercises delivered via Zoom Health. This method is convenient, allowing patients to participate from home, and it could potentially enhance memory and attention, improving overall quality of life for those with multiple sclerosis.

What evidence suggests that this computer-based cognitive training is effective for multiple sclerosis?

Studies have shown that computer-based brain exercises can significantly improve memory in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Research indicates these exercises enhance thinking speed and memory, addressing common challenges for those with MS. Previous studies demonstrated that this training not only improved overall thinking skills but also aided focus and planning tasks. A review of nine studies found consistent memory improvements. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive training, delivered remotely via Zoom Health, in boosting mental abilities in people with MS. Participants will either receive the active training or join a sham comparator group receiving sham memory exercises. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with multiple sclerosis who speak English as their primary language. It aims to help those facing cognitive challenges, particularly in learning and memory, which can affect daily life and employment.

Inclusion Criteria

English is my primary language.

I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive computer-based cognitive training remotely via Zoom Health, consisting of 10 sessions

5 weeks

10 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Computer-based Cognitive Training

Trial Overview The study tests a computer-based cognitive training program delivered remotely via Zoom Health over 10 sessions. The effectiveness of this treatment will be measured by improvements in cognitive performance, daily activities, and neuroimaging results.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Computer based cognitive training delivered remotely via Zoom Health

Group II: sham comparator Placebo Group 1 Intervention

The sham comparator group will receive sham memory exercises administered on a laptop computer via Zoom Health twice a week for five weeks (10 placebo control sessions).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Kessler Foundation

Lead Sponsor

Trials

190

Recruited

11,300+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 45 patients with multiple sclerosis, both high intensity and distributed schedules of computer-based working memory training (BrainStim) significantly improved fatigue symptoms, working memory, and mental speed.

The results suggest that BrainStim can be effectively tailored to fit the personal schedules of MS patients, as both training methods yielded similar benefits, although no improvements were noted in short-term memory, quality of life, or depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Working memory training in patients with multiple sclerosis - comparison of two different training schedules. Vogt, A., Kappos, L., Calabrese, P., et al.[2022]

In a study of 58 patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment due to multiple sclerosis, those who underwent 10 weeks of computer-assisted cognitive training showed significant improvements in memory, attention, and executive functions compared to those receiving standard care.

The cognitive gains, particularly in attention, were not only significant but also sustained for at least 6 months, indicating the long-term benefits of this targeted cognitive training intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a Computer-Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Messinis, L., Nasios, G., Kosmidis, MH., et al.[2019]

In a study of 40 MS patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, both traditional cognitive rehabilitation (TCR) and computerized cognitive rehabilitation (CCR) were well-tolerated and improved cognitive function.

The computerized rehabilitation using the ERICA software significantly enhanced memory, attention, and processing speed more effectively than traditional methods, suggesting it could be a valuable tool in cognitive rehabilitation for MS patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Do people with multiple sclerosis benefit from PC-based neurorehabilitation? A pilot study. De Luca, R., Russo, M., Gasparini, S., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 62 patients with multiple sclerosis, a computer-assisted neuropsychological training program significantly improved cognitive functions such as verbal memory, working memory, and phonetic fluency over 3 months compared to a control group.

The training also led to a notable reduction in anxiety symptoms and an improvement in quality of life for the patients, highlighting its potential benefits beyond cognitive performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a short cognitive training program in patients with multiple sclerosis. Pérez-Martín, MY., González-Platas, M., Eguía-Del Río, P., et al.[2020]

In a pilot study involving multiple sclerosis patients, six weeks of computerized cognitive training led to significant improvements in processing speed and attention for those in the active training group.

The results suggest that cognitive training may offer moderate benefits in cognitive functioning for multiple sclerosis patients, particularly in processing speed and working memory, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Processing speed and working memory training in multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomized controlled pilot study. Hancock, LM., Bruce, JM., Bruce, AS., et al.[2022]

In a pilot study involving 16 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and 9 age-matched controls, training with three-dimensional multiple-object tracking (3D-MOT) resulted in significant improvements in driving readiness for the MS group.

Despite initially lower scores in 3D-MOT, patients with MS showed similar improvements to controls, suggesting that 3D-MOT training is an effective and accessible tool for cognitive rehabilitation in MS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Three-Dimensional Multiple-Object Tracking in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Trial. Harenberg, S., St Onge, J., Robinson, J., et al.[2023]

A home-based cognitive training program significantly improved verbal learning and working memory in 42 relapsing-remitting MS patients over a 6-week period, despite no changes in neurological status or quality of life.

The improvement in long-delay verbal memory performance was independent of brain atrophy, suggesting that cognitive training can be effective even in patients with early brain changes associated with MS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive training in MS: effects and relation to brain atrophy. Hildebrandt, H., Lanz, M., Hahn, HK., et al.[2022]

A meta-analysis of 9 studies showed that computer-based cognitive training significantly improves memory performance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), with a notable effect size (SMD of 0.22).

Specifically, the training had a strong impact on delayed memory as measured by the Selective Reminding Test, indicating that cognitive rehabilitation can be an effective intervention for addressing cognitive decline in MS patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of computer-based cognitive training in neuropsychological performance of patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dardiotis, E., Nousia, A., Siokas, V., et al.[2018]

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has been shown to have a moderate positive effect on cognitive function in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), based on a review of 20 randomized controlled trials involving 982 participants, primarily with relapsing-remitting MS.

While CCT improved key cognitive areas such as attention, executive functions, and memory, its effects diminished without ongoing training, and further research is needed to explore its impact on psychosocial functioning and daily life, especially in progressive MS subtypes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerized Cognitive Training in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Lampit, A., Heine, J., Finke, C., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41032995/

A meta-analysis of the effect of computerized cognitive ... Computer-based cognitive training has a positive effect on information processing speed and memory in MS patients, but does not improve ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034825004869

A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Computerized Cognitive ... Computer-based cognitive training has a positive effect on information processing speed and memory in MS patients, but does not improve ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7253816/

Comparing the Effectiveness of Computer-Based, Manual ... This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of computer-based, manual-based, and combined cognitive rehabilitation to improve cognitive functions among ...

4. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1545968319860490

Computerized Cognitive Training in Multiple Sclerosis CCT improves overall cognition as well as untrained outcome measures of attention/processing speed, executive functions, and memory immediately ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-multiple-sclerosis-9-2024-52bd5

Computer-based Cognitive Training for Multiple Sclerosis A meta-analysis of 9 studies showed that computer-based cognitive training significantly improves memory performance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11607107/

Computerized cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple ... The results of this systematic and meta-analysis showed that computerized cognitive rehabilitation program is effective in improving PASAT score.

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Enhanced cognitive outcomes with telehealth-based tDCS in ... Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with adaptive cognitive training (aCT) may improve clinical outcomes. Objective. To ...

8. trialfinder.panfoundation.org trialfinder.panfoundation.org/en-US/trial/listing/578695

Testing the Feasibility of Computer-based Cognitive ... Learning and memory are a common cognitive deficit. This computer-based cognitive training is a 10-session treatment proven to be effective in ...