Adaptational Approach to Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: Description of Three Models of Care
Abstract Cognitive deficits are among the most harmful symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS). Neuropsychological assessment methods have been extensively developed in MS, but rehabilitation of cognition is still in its infancy. At the Masku Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, we have developed 3 models of neuropsychological group rehabilitation in MS.Information/family weekends for MS patients who are concerned about cognitive deficits1-week inpatient cognitive rehabilitation courses for MS patients and their spouses3-week inpatient cognitive rehabilitation courses for MS patientsWe used an adaptational approach to help participants live with cognitive impairments. Instead of retraining affected cognitive functions, we tried to help patients find better ways of coping with existing cognitive deficits in daily life. The course consisted of information at a general and at an individual level, neuropsychological evaluation and feedback, individual counseling, and group meetings. We evaluated the participants’ experiences in the course by means of questionnaires. The participants reported that they received information and support they thought could help them to live with cognitive impairments. The experiences of these participants suggest that these types of rehabilitation interventions may be useful in treating patients with cognitive deficits and their family members. In this article, we report 3 models of care for cognitively impaired MS patients and an evaluation of participants’ experiences on these rehabilitation courses.