fMRI Reveals Greater Brain Activation After Cognitive Rehab for MS Patients

Using neuroimaging scans neuroscientists have confirmed increased cerebral activation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) following memory retraining using the modified story memory technique (mSMT).

This is the first study to demonstrate that behavioral interventions can have a positive effect on brain function in individuals with cognitive disability caused by MS, a significant step in validating the clinical effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation.

According to Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director of neuropsychology and neuroscience research at the Kessler Foundation (West Orange, NJ, USA), “This demonstrates that an effective cognitive rehabilitation protocol can lead to changes in the way the brain is actually processing information.” Dr. Chiaravalloti is the lead author of the article, which was published online in the Journal of Neurology on January 12, 2012.

Cognitive deficits are typical in MS patients, though few studies have assessed the efficacy of memory retraining in this population. Earlier studies conducted at Kessler Foundation demonstrated that mSMT improves new learning and memory in MS.

The new study utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning to validate brain activation patterns before and after memory retraining. In the double blind, placebo controlled, randomized clinical trial, 16 individuals were assigned to treatment (n = 8) or placebo (n = 8) groups. Each participant underwent 10 memory-retraining sessions (twice weekly for five weeks). After treatment, greater activation was evident on fMRI in the treatment group during performance of a memory task; no change was seen in the placebo group. Increased activation was associated with improved memory performance.

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