Improving Learning and Memory in Portuguese Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Deficits in memory and learning are common in Multiple Sclerosis, posing significant challenges in patients' daily lives. Cognitive rehabilitation has been shown to be effective in ameliorating these deficits, with programs such as the Modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT). In Portugal, no studies tested the efficacy of memory training programs. We aim to fill that gap by translating and developing mSMT, conducting a randomized double-blind, placebo-control, clinical trial, and, therefore, testing its efficacy through objective measures of cognitive function, and the maintenance of its benefits longitudinally. Patients with documented impairment in new learning abilities will be recruited at Centro Hospitalar Universitario São João, and randomly assigned to a memory retraining group or an active control group. Both groups will undergo baseline, immediate, and long-term follow-up assessments consisting of (1) a neuropsychological comprehensive assessment and (2) self-reported questionnaires regarding symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, quality of life, and sleep. Optional enrollment in pre-post neuroimaging will also allow us to look at changes in the brain.

NCT Number	NCT06723444
Lead Sponsor	Centro Hospitalar De São João, E.P.E. Collaborators: Instituto de Saude Publica da Universidade do Porto, Universidade do Porto
Conditions	Multiple Sclerosis
Enrollment	80 participants
Start Date	2024-12-05
Primary Completion	2026-12 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-08 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-02-12