Modified story memory technique may help cognitive rehabilitation in MS patients

Modified story memory technique used to treat learning and memory deficits in multiple sclerosis

John DeLuca, PhD, Vice President for Research at Kessler Foundation presented findings on the use of a behavioral technique for cognitive rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Lead investigator was Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director of the Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Laboratory at Kessler Foundation. The presentation on modified Story Memory Technique was made on October 21, 2011 in Amsterdam at the 5th Joint Triennial Congress of the European and Americas Committees for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS and ACTRIMS).

Two Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT) have been conducted to examine changes in neuropsychological memory measures post-treatment, one using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test Revised and the other using the California Verbal Learning Test - II. Changes were also examined in patterns of cerebral activation on fMRI post-treatment during performance of learning and memory tasks. No baseline activation differences on fMRI were seen between groups. After treatment, greater activation was evident in the treatment group during performance of a memory task within a widespread cortical network involving frontal, parietal, precuneus, and parahippocampal regions. "These findings add to our understanding of memory processes in MS," said Dr. DeLuca, "and will help us determine effective interventions for cognitive rehabilitation. "