Improving memory and learning in Portuguese patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Testing the Efficacy of a Memory Training Program to Improve New Learning and Memory in Portuguese Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study is testing a new memory training program to see if it can help people in Portugal with Multiple Sclerosis improve their memory and learning skills.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Centro Hospitalar De São João, E.P.E. (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Porto)
• Trial ID: NCT06723444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult native Portuguese speakers with a confirmed diagnosis of MS and documented impairments in new learning abilities.

Not a fit: Patients with recent exacerbations, significant neurological histories, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of similar cognitive rehabilitation techniques in various populations, suggesting potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Porto

• Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João — Porto, Portugal (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Márcia França, Master's Degree

Conditions Multiple Sclerosis; Memory; Cognitive Rehabilitation; Randomized Controlled Trial