Remotely-delivered cognitive remediation in multiple sclerosis (MS): protocol and results from a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment represents a critical unmet treatment need in multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive remediation is promising but traditionally requires multiple clinic visits to access treatment. Computer-based programs provide remote access to intensive and individually-adapted training. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to develop a protocol for remotely-supervised cognitive remediation that enables individuals with MS to participate from home while maintaining the standards for clinical study. METHODS: MS participants (n = 20) were randomized to either an active cognitive remediation program (n = 11) or a control condition of ordinary computer games (n = 9). Participants were provided study laptops to complete training for five days per week over 12 weeks, targeting a total of 30 hours. Treatment effects were measured with composite change via scores of a repeated neuropsychological battery. RESULTS: Compliance was high with an average of 25.0 hours of program use (80% of the target) and did not differ between conditions (25.7 vs. 24.2 mean hours, p = 0.80). The active vs. control participants significantly improved in both the cognitive measures (mean composite z-score change of 0.46 ± 0.59 improvement vs. −0.14 ± 0.48 decline, p = 0.02) and motor tasks (mean composite z-score change of 0.40 ± 0.71improvement vs. −0.64 ± 0.73 decline, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Remotely-supervised cognitive remediation is feasible for clinical study with potential for meaningful benefit in MS.