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Allogmanny S, Probst Y. Dietary Modification Combined with Nutrition Education and Counseling for Metabolic Comorbidities in Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Clinical Practice and Research. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:106-112. [PMID: 38676838 PMCID: PMC11133086 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are common to multiple sclerosis (MS) and are associated with negative outcomes of the disease. Dietary intervention has the potential to improve MS co-morbidities; thus, it is a high priority for people living with MS to self-manage their disease. The present review aimed to summarize the recent evidence on the impacts of combining dietary modification with nutrition education and counseling on managing metabolic comorbidity markers in MS. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence suggests important roles for tailored dietary change strategies and nutrition education and counseling in managing metabolic comorbidities for MS. There is also indirect evidence suggesting a relationship between dietary fiber, the gut microbiome, and improved metabolic markers in MS, highlighting the need for more research in this area. For people living with MS, addressing both barriers and facilitators to dietary changes through behavior change techniques can help them achieve sustainable and tailored dietary behavior changes. This will support person-centered care, ultimately improving metabolic comorbidity outcomes. Metabolic comorbidities in MS are considered modifiable diseases that can be prevented and managed by changes in dietary behavior. However, the impact of targeted dietary interventions on mitigating MS-related metabolic comorbidities remains inadequately explored. Therefore, this review has provided insights into recommendations to inform future best practices in MS. Further well-designed studies based on tailored dietary strategies applying behavior change theories are needed to address the underlying determinants of dietary practice in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoroog Allogmanny
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, 42353, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Yasmine Probst
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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Martin K, Cofield SS, Cross AH, Goss AM, Raji CA, Rinker JR, Wu GF, Blair J, Fuchs A, Ghezzi L, Green K, Pace F, Pastori G, Taylor MG, Piccio L, Wingo BC. Functional outcomes of diets in multiple sclerosis (FOOD for MS): Protocol for a parallel arm randomized feeding trial for low glycemic load and calorie restriction. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 143:107584. [PMID: 38821260 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pilot trials indicate that both a low glycemic load (GL) diet and calorie restriction (CR) can be implemented successfully in people with multiple sclerosis (pMS) and may improve MS symptoms and physical function, but large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have not yet been conducted. The purpose of this study is to test these interventions alone and in combination to determine their efficacy for improving clinical and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in pMS. METHODS This 32-week, two-arm, RCT at two centers will randomly assign 100 adults with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS to a low GL diet (n = 50) or a standard GL diet (n = 50). Both diet groups will complete two study phases: a eucaloric phase (16 weeks) and a CR phase (16 weeks). Groceries for the study meal plans will be delivered to participants' homes weekly. The primary outcome is physical function, measured by timed 25-ft walk test. Secondary outcomes are pain, fatigue, mood, and anxiety. DISCUSSION This will be the most rigorous intervention trial to date of a low GL diet and CR in adults with MS, and among the first to assess the impact of intentional weight loss on MS symptoms. Results will provide valuable insight for recommending dietary change, weight loss, or both to adults with MS. These non-drug interventions pose few risks and have potential to yield significant improvements in MS symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION ID NCT05327322.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kat Martin
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Stacey S Cofield
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Anne H Cross
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Amy M Goss
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Cyrus A Raji
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis; Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - John R Rinker
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Gregory F Wu
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis; Departments Pathology & Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis; Neurology service, Veterans Affairs Saint Louis Health Care System, Saint Louis
| | - Jessica Blair
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Anja Fuchs
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Laura Ghezzi
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Kathryn Green
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Francesca Pace
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis
| | | | - Meghan G Taylor
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Laura Piccio
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis; Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Theme, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brooks C Wingo
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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Tryfonos C, Chrysafi M, Vadikolias K, Berberoglou L, Vorvolakos T, Dimoliani S, Tsourouflis G, Kontogiorgis C, Antasouras G, Giaginis C. Nutritional interventional studies in patients with multiple sclerosis: a scoping review of the current clinical evidence. J Neurol 2024; 271:1536-1570. [PMID: 38177875 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
A good nutritional status appears to slow down disease progression and ameliorate symptoms' intensity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Up to date, there are several interventional studies, which have explored the potential beneficial effects of specific dietary patterns as well as specific bioactive nutrients against disease progression and symptomatology of MS patients. This is a thorough, scoping review, which aims to critically summarize and scrutinize the currently available clinical evidence of the potential beneficial effects of nutritional interventional studies against MS progression and symptomatology. This review was conducted to systematically map the research done in this area, as well as to identify gaps in knowledge. For this purpose, we thoroughly explored the most accurate scientific web databases, e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to achieve the most relevant clinical human studies applying effective and characteristic keywords. There are currently several dietary patterns and specific bioactive nutrients that show promising results by slowing down disease progression and by improving MS symptoms. However, there are also certain conflicting results, while most of the existing studies enrolled a small number of MS patients. Nutritional interventions may exert substantial protective effects against MS progression and symptomatology. However, large, long-term, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials with a prospective design are strongly recommended to delineate whether such nutritional intervention may attenuate disease progression, and improve symptomatology in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tryfonos
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400, Myrina, Greece
| | - Maria Chrysafi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400, Myrina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Vadikolias
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Lefteris Berberoglou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Campus (Dragana) Building 5, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Theofanis Vorvolakos
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Sophia Dimoliani
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400, Myrina, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- Second Department of Surgery, Propedeutic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Kontogiorgis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Campus (Dragana) Building 5, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Antasouras
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400, Myrina, Greece
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400, Myrina, Greece.
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van Beek JJW, Lehnick D, Pastore-Wapp M, Wapp S, Kamm CP, Nef T, Vanbellingen T. Tablet app-based dexterity training in multiple sclerosis (TAD-MS): a randomized controlled trial. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:889-899. [PMID: 36308305 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2131915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) may lead to health benefits. In recent years, the use of apps in multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased. Apps to train and improve dexterity in MS are scarce. This study investigated the effectiveness of a tablet app-based home-based training to improve dexterity in individuals with MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, two standardized 4-week home-based interventions focussing on different aspects of dexterity and upper limb function were compared. Assessments were done at baseline, post-intervention and 12-week follow-up. The primary endpoint was the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire, a dexterity-related measure of patient-reported activities of daily living. Secondary endpoints were dexterous function, grip strength and health-related quality of life. RESULTS Forty-eight individuals were randomly assigned to a tablet app-based program (n = 26) or a control strengthening exercise program (n = 22). No significant differences were found for the primary endpoint (p = 0.35). Some significant differences in favour of the app-group were found in fine coordinated finger movements and strength. No significant differences were found at the 12-week follow-up for all endpoints. Adherence in both groups was above 90%. CONCLUSIONS App-based training was not superior compared to a control strengthening exercise program concerning the arm- and hand function from the participant's perspective. However, app-based training was found to be effective in improving specific dimensions (finger movements and strength), and can easily be applied at home. Therefore, individuals living with MS with impaired dexterity should consider app-based training. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03369470.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith J W van Beek
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Lehnick
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Pastore-Wapp
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Gerontechnology & Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simona Wapp
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Christian P Kamm
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Nef
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Gerontechnology & Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tim Vanbellingen
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Gerontechnology & Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Rinaldo N, Pasini A, Straudi S, Piva G, Crepaldi A, Baroni A, Caruso L, Manfredini F, Lamberti N. Effects of Exercise, Rehabilitation, and Nutritional Approaches on Body Composition and Bone Density in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:132. [PMID: 37754965 PMCID: PMC10532597 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8030132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are affected by a wide range of disabilities, including a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and a worsening of body composition (BC), which negatively impact their quality of life quality. This study aims to analyze the effects of nonpharmacological interventions-in particular, physical activity, nutritional approaches, and rehabilitation-on BC and BMD in pwMS. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the updated version of the PRISMA guidelines. In July 2022, five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science) and gray literature were screened. Relevant articles published between 1 January 1990 and 1 September 2022 in any language were included. Outcomes of interest were anthropometric, BC measures, and BMD. The RoB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. After duplicates elimination, 1120 records were screened, and 36 studies were included. A total of 25 articles were focused on physical activity and rehabilitation, 10 on nutrition, and 1 on multimodal intervention. One-third of the studies were judged to be at high risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed a high degree of heterogeneity due to the high variability in disease severity and intervention duration, intensity, frequency, and type. In general, no intervention showed consistent positive effects on BC. However, the most promising interventions seemed to be high-intensity training and ketogenic diets. Only a few studies considered BMD, and the results are inconsistent. Nevertheless, more studies are needed in order to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Rinaldo
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (A.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Alba Pasini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (A.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Sofia Straudi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (A.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Giovanni Piva
- Doctoral Program in Environmental Sustainability and Wellbeing, Department of Humanities, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Anna Crepaldi
- Unit of Nephrology, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Andrea Baroni
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (A.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environment and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Fabio Manfredini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (A.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Nicola Lamberti
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (A.B.); (F.M.)
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Titcomb TJ, Sherwood M, Ehlinger M, Saxby SM, Shemirani F, Eyck PT, Wahls TL, Snetselaar LG. Evaluation of a web-based program for the adoption of wellness behaviors to self-manage fatigue and improve quality of life among people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized waitlist-control trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 77:104858. [PMID: 37399671 PMCID: PMC11071624 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wellness is a promising area of research in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, considerable questions remain regarding the efficacy of behavioral interventions to improve wellness and which delivery methods yield favorable results. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a wellness intervention consisting of diet, stress reduction techniques, sleep hygiene, and exercise, delivered via a 7-week web-based program with no tailored intervention support (e.g., counseling or resources) from the study team, on quality of life (QoL) and fatigue among people with MS. METHODS Individuals (n = 100) with self-reported physician's diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS or clinically isolated syndrome were recruited to enroll in this randomized waitlist-control trial consisting of three timepoints at 0, 12, and 24 weeks. Participants were randomized to begin the intervention at baseline (INT; n = 51) or to a waitlist to begin the intervention after the 12-week timepoint (WLC; n = 49), and both groups were followed for 24 weeks. RESULTS At 12-weeks, 95 participants (46 INT and 49 WLC) completed the primary endpoint and 86 (42 INT and 44 WLC) completed the 24-week follow-up. Compared to baseline, the INT group had a significant increase in physical QoL (5.43 ± 1.85; P = 0.003) at 12-weeks which was maintained at 24-weeks. Physical QoL values in the WLC group did not significantly increase between weeks 12 and 24 (3.24 ± 2.03; P = 0.11); however, physical QoL values significantly improved compared to week 0 values (4.00 ± 1.87; P = 0.033). Neither group had significant changes in mental QoL. The INT group had a mean baseline to 12-week change of ‑5.06 ± 1.79 (P = 0.005) for MFIS and -0.68 ± 0.21 (P = 0.002) for FSS, both of which were maintained at 24-weeks. The 12- to 24-week changes for the WLC group were -4.50 ± 1.81 (P = 0.013) for MFIS and -0.44 ± 0.17 (P = 0.011) for FSS. At 12-weeks, the INT group had significantly greater reductions in fatigue compared to the WLC (P = 0.009 for both MFIS and FSS). There were no between-group mean differences for physical or mental QoL, but a significantly higher proportion of participants had clinically significant improvement in physical QoL in the INT group (50%) compared to the WLC group (22.5%) at 12-weeks (P = 0.006). The 12-week intervention effect was similar during the active intervention phase (i.e., baseline to 12 weeks for INT and 12 to 24 weeks for WLC) in each group. Course completion rates significantly differed between groups with 47.9% of the INT group and 18.8% of the WLC group completing the course (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION A wellness intervention delivered via a web-based program, without tailored support, resulted in significant improvements in fatigue compared to control. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT05057676.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Titcomb
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Max Sherwood
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mary Ehlinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Solange M Saxby
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Patrick Ten Eyck
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Terry L Wahls
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Russell RD, Black LJ, Begley A. Nutrition Education Programs for Adults with Neurological Diseases Are Lacking: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14081577. [PMID: 35458139 PMCID: PMC9030740 DOI: 10.3390/nu14081577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The nutrition recommendation for most common neurological diseases is to follow national dietary guidelines. This is to mitigate malnutrition, reduce the risk of diet-related diseases, and to help manage some common symptoms, including constipation. Nutrition education programs can support people in adhering to guidelines; hence the aim of this scoping review was to explore what programs have been implemented for adults with neurological diseases. We conducted this review according to a published a priori protocol. From 2555 articles screened, 13 were included (dementia n = 6; multiple sclerosis n = 4; stroke survivors n = 2; Parkinson’s n = 1). There were no programs for epilepsy, Huntington’s, and motor neurone disease. Program duration and number of sessions varied widely; however, weekly delivery was most common. Just over half were delivered by dietitians. Most did not report using a behavior change theory. Commonly used behavior change techniques were instruction on how to perform a behavior, credible source, and behavioral practice/rehearsal. Evidence of nutrition education programs for adults with neurological diseases is lacking. Of those that are published, many do not meet best practice principles for nutrition education regarding delivery, educator characteristics, and evaluation. More programs aligning with best practice principles are needed to assess characteristics that lead to behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D. Russell
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (R.D.R.); (L.J.B.)
| | - Lucinda J. Black
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (R.D.R.); (L.J.B.)
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Andrea Begley
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (R.D.R.); (L.J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-9266-2773
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Ghadiri F, Naser Moghadasi A, Sahraian MA. Telemedicine as a strategic intervention for cognitive rehabilitation in MS patients during COVID-19. Acta Neurol Belg 2022; 122:23-29. [PMID: 35094365 PMCID: PMC8801040 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-01875-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of nearly 5.2 million up to now. With no definite treatment and considering close contact as the primary mode of transmission, telemedicine has emerged as an essential medical care platform. Virtual medical communications have offered clinicians the opportunity to visit and follow up on patients more efficiently during the lockdown. Not only has telemedicine improved multiple sclerosis (MS) patients’ health and quality of life during the pandemic, but it could also be used as a cost-effective platform for physical and cognitive MS rehabilitation programs. Cognitive impairment is a common problem among MS patients even at the initial phases of the disease. Rehabilitation training programs such as RehaCom, BrainHQ, Speed of Processing Training (PST), and COGNI-TRAcK have made great strides in improving a wide range of cognitive functions that MS patients are challenged with. Regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the cognitive aspects of MS patients, efforts to implement rehabilitation training applications have been increased. Web-based mobile applications, virtual visits, and telephone follow-ups are examples of such efforts. Having said that, limitations such as privacy, socioeconomic disparities, e-health literacy, study settings, and challenges of neurologic examinationss have been raised. Since most MS patients are young, all the beneficiaries are encouraged to embrace the research in the field to pave the road for more feasible and efficient ways of cognitive enhancement in MS patients.
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis are neurodegenerative diseases requiring interdisciplinary rehabilitation services to maximize function, manage symptoms, prevent complications, and promote higher quality of life. Distance and disability may pose barriers to access of subspecialized care. Telehealth is one solution to facilitate access and was rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article details the utility of telehealth services across the disease spectrum-including to establish a diagnosis, monitor progression for ongoing management, and identify and manage symptoms and provide therapy interventions. The challenges and promise of telehealth services for clinical care and research will be explored.
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