Improving memory and learning in Portuguese patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to address memory and learning deficits commonly experienced by patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Portugal. It will implement the Modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT), a cognitive rehabilitation program designed to enhance memory through structured sessions that incorporate visual imagery and contextual learning. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a memory retraining group or a placebo control group, with assessments conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and during long-term follow-ups to evaluate cognitive function and daily life impacts. The study seeks to fill a gap in existing research by testing the efficacy of mSMT specifically in the Portuguese MS population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* established diagnosis of MS, according to McDonald criteria;
* adult native Portuguese speakers;
* at least four years of education;
* free of exacerbations and use of steroids for at least one month, and no neurologic history other than MS;
* no history of major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and no history of substance use/dependence;
* no significant visual impairment that impacts the ability to see testing materials and language comprehension as measured by the Token Test;
* impaired verbal new learning as documented by a performance of -1.0 or worse standard deviations below the mean, using age, sex and education-adjusted Portuguese norms on the Selective Reminding Test from the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests.

Exclusion Criteria:

* an exacerbation within one month;
* neurological history of head injury, stroke, seizures, or any other significant neurological history;
* patients on steroids, benzodiazepines, and/or neuroleptics;
* patients with an active diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder;
* poor visual acuity, diplopia, or nystagmus;
* inability to understand directions and following one, two, and three step commands;
* and intact new learning and memory.

Where it's running

• Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João
  Porto, Portugal Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Márcia França, Master's Degree
• Email: marcia.franca.mf@gmail.com
• Phone: +351965495454

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Treadmill-based virtual reality walking training for MS patients

  This study tests whether a treadmill with virtual reality and smart socks can help people with multiple sclerosis walk better and feel safer in daily life.

  Recruiting Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA · Atlanta, Georgia · NCT07927439

• Virtual Reality and Mental Practice to Improve Balance and Walking in Relapsing MS

  This study tests whether virtual reality training or mental practice can improve balance and walking in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Giza, Giza Governorate · NCT07918339

• REAL-MS: A Look at Autologous Stem Cell Transplant vs High-Efficacy MS Therapies in Real-World Care

  This study tests how AHSCT compares to high-efficacy MS medicines in adults treated in routine clinical care.

  Recruiting Imperial College London · London and 2 other locations · NCT07899502

• Tolebrutinib in real-world MS care for patients treated by clinicians

  This real-world study sees how tolebrutinib is used for multiple sclerosis patients and what outcomes look like in everyday practice.

  Recruiting Sanofi · Marina, Abu Dhabi Emirate · NCT07898371

• Pilates via live video vs. prerecorded videos for people with multiple sclerosis

  This study tests whether live, coach-led Pilates sessions through video calls are more beneficial than prerecorded Pilates videos for adults with MS.

  Recruiting Yuzuncu Yil University · Van · NCT07893925

• Cooling During Inpatient Rehab for People with MS

  This trial tests whether wearing a cooling vest during intensive training can reduce fatigue and improve walking, strength, balance, and cognition in people with multiple sclerosis during a 3-week inpatient rehab stay.

  Recruiting Klinik Valens · Valens, Canton of St. Gallen · NCT07852156

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.