Browsing by Author "Mäkinen, Jenna"

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, which usually has its onset in early adulthood. Both physical and neuropsychological symptoms are related to MS. Neuropsychological symptoms include cognitive and behavioral symptoms, and up to 65% of MS patients suffer from cognitive symptoms. The most common cognitive symptoms in literature are deficits in memory functions and information processing speed, and impairments in visual learning. The most often reported behavioral symptoms are instability, irritability, and inflexibility. There have been many attempts to find effective treatment and rehabilitation methods. Previously, studies of neuropsychological rehabilitation of MS were primarily concerned of rehabilitation of memory and learning ability functions whereas currently, the interest seems to be in the treatment possibilities of attentional processes and information processing speed. Pharmacological treatments (e.g. acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and natalizumab) for neuropsychological symptoms in MS have also been tested. Changes in behavior and habits may also be needed for relieving symptoms. It is possible to increase brain activation of MS patients with neuropsychological rehabilitation, and by using fMRI it has been shown that the brain of MS patients compensate the impaired brain functioning by increasing the brain activation. Rehabilitation is used to improve and maintain patient’s quality of life and ability to work. Neuropsychological rehabilitation may have long-term positive effects on patient’s quality of life. The purpose of this review is to consider what is currently known about the treatment and rehabilitation possibilities of the neuropsychological symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Problems with the studies conducted so far are small number of subjects and controls, and conflicting results between studies. That is why it is important to conduct more studies in order to find suitable and effective treatment and rehabilitation methods for neuropsychological symptoms in MS.