Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating neurological disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans. While there is yet no cure for the illness, researchers are working hard to understand its causes and mitigate its symptoms. New research investigates the effects of cutting-edge cognitive training technology on people with multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an often disabling neurological disease that affects one's muscles, vision, mood, and concentration.
MS is estimated to affect anywhere between 250,000-350,000 people in the United States, and 200 new cases of MS are diagnosed each week.
While there is currently no cure for the condition, treatment options are available for reducing the symptoms. The most common therapy consists of steroid drugs, which have been shown to speed up recovery.
A new technology called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been recently shown to improve some of the symptoms of MS. The tDCS device was created by Marom Bikson, Ph.D., a professor of biomedical engineering at The City College of New York, in collaboration and Abhishek Datta, Ph.D., the chief technology officer of Soterix Medical.
Researchers from New York University's (NYU) Langone's Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center conducted a feasibility study for tDCS, and the results were published in the journal Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface.
The team was led by Leigh E. Charvet, Ph.D., associate professor of neurology and director of research at Langone's Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center.
During the tDCS procedure, a low-amplitude current that travels through a set of electrodes is placed on the scalp of the participants.
The electric current stimulates the brain's cortex, thus enabling neurons to signal to each other more easily. This, in turn, improves neural connectivity and hastens the learning process that occurs during MS rehabilitation.
For the study, 25 participants used tDCS while playing computer games as part of their brain-training program. The aim of the games was to improve cognitive skills, such as problem-solving abilities, attention, information processing, response time, and other working memory skills.
The tDCS training targeted the brain's dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This brain region has been associated with fatigue, depression, and cognition - areas that are affected by MS.
The participants underwent the training at home, where they completed 10 sessions of cognitive training while being supervised remotely. A study technician would check in with each participant via online video conferencing, and they were able to control the tDCS dosage remotely. Each session lasted for 20 minutes.
The study also included a control group of 20 participants who also underwent cognitive training, but without tDCS.
The cognitive outcomes were assessed using composite scores that measured performance on standard cognition tests, basic and complex attention tests, as well as response variability.
Overall, the tDCS group scored higher on the cognitive scores than those who just played the brain-training computer games.
Sensitive, computerized measurements of complex attention showed the tDCS group had much greater improvements compared with the control group. The tDCS-trained participants also showed significantly greater response time, and these improvements all increased with the number of sessions. The earliest signs of improvement were observed in complex attention and response time.
The study found no differences in basic attention or standard cognitive measures. According to Charvet, this suggests more treatment sessions may be needed for improvements to show in the patients' day-to-day activities.
"Our research adds evidence that tDCS, while done remotely under a supervised treatment protocol, may provide an exciting new treatment option for patients with multiple sclerosis who cannot get relief for some of their cognitive symptoms.
Many MS medications are aimed at preventing disease flares, but those drugs do not help with daily symptom management, especially cognitive problems. We hope tDCS will fill this crucial gap and help improve quality of life for people with MS."
Leigh E. Charvet
The authors also note this technology could replace hospital visits, which often proves challenging for those living with MS and especially for those whose disease is advancing. However, they also caution against several tDCS products on the market which are available directly to the consumer.
These products, Charvet says, are not backed by clinical research, so he strongly recommends that anyone wishing to try out this technology consult with their physician.
Read how stem cell transplantation may halt MS progression.
Original post:
Multiple sclerosis: New technology improves cognition - Medical News Today
- Rally for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Funding [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- Breakthrough Multiple Sclerosis Treatment? [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis Treatment - Mayo Clinic [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2011]
- Tracy Macchia: Controversial MS Treatment [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2011]
- What is Multiple Sclerosis [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- MS Multiple Sclerosis treatment testimonial from Sanoviv Medical Institute [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Patient with progressive ms(paraplegia) Fmr treatment 1/4 [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis Treatment with Chiropractic Care [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- MS Cure - Progression [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2011]
- CCSVI UK Multiple Sclerosis Liberation Treatment [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy MS: Sam Harrell and The Superbowl [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2011]
- Holly Huber on Recovery: Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Community Outreach Dallas, TX 2011 [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2011]
- MS treatment sees early success [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2011]
- CCSVI Possible cure for Multiple sclerosis [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- MS Cure - Introduction to stem cell bone marrow transplant in Australia [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2011]
- (Multiple Sclerosis Cure) Change Your Thinking? (Multiple Sclerosis Cure) [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Essiac cancer treatment herbal tincture, Ms Caisse...from The Secrets of Eden [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- MS walking treatment breakthrough [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- multiple sclerosis natural treatment | Kathy Canada Testimonial [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2011]
- CCSVI Surgery India - Liberation Procedure Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in India [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2011]
- XCell-Center MS CCSVI Liberation Angioplasty Treatment Results E.Schuurman 18_01_11 [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2011]
- MS Cure - 7PM Project Carmel Turner MS Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2011]
- MS Update! Tysabri or Gilenya? [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2011]
- What causes BSE, CJD [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2011]
- Kath Bartlett, MS, LAc Balance Method Acupuncture [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2011]
- MS Cure - 730 report ben leahy carmel turner ms stem cell treatment [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2011]
- CCSVI LIberation Treatment Tokuda [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2011]
- FOX News Interview on the O'Reilly Factor - Treatment of Women in Islam [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2011]
- CCSVI treatment bloopers holy crap [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2011]
- Tarah's CCSVI Venoplasty. Dr McGuckin Explaining procedure findings [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2011]
- Cancer Cure: The One-Minute Cure For Cancer, MS [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2011]
- Not Ready to Cheer CCSVI Trials [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- New Oral Treatment for MS [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2011]
- 27/07/2011 - MS patients seek controversial treatment [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2011]
- MS Cure - 11 I am still walking [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2011]
- Upcoming Treatments for MS - Pt 1 -MSRA Public Lecture - Dr Suzanne Hodgkinson [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Stem Cells for MS Community Outreach: Patient Judi Lecoq - Dallas, TX 2011 [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 18th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis - Community Outreach, San Diego: David Oliver [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2011]
- New Study Tests Possible Treatment for MS [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2011]
- Professor Dimitrios Karussis: Treating MS [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2011]
- walking with MS before CCSVI treatment.wmv [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2011]
- Suzy Cohen Discusses The Liberation Treatment for MS [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis MS People - Amazing New Treatment [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis Alternative Treatment [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- CLEAR scoliosis treatment, Dr. Culpepper (MS) [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Liberation treatment for MS [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- 44b - My Lyme disease and rheumatoid arthritis journey - Miraculous CCSVI treatment for MS sufferers [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- A Closer Look at Gilenya - The First Oral Treatment for MS [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Unequal Treatment Drives Disability Rights Movement [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis - The Nebraska Medical Center [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Testimonial for CCSVI Treatment Excel Heart Center Mexico -- Tanya Reay [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Current thinking on what causes MS - Pt 1 - MSRA Public Lecture -Prof Graeme Stewart [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- Current and emerging therapies in MS - Part 02 (How do these treatments work?) [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- MS Richard Humphries before and after treatment for Multiple Sclerosis with stem cells [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Matthew - CCSVI and his Liberation Treatment [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis - Myelin Repair - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- MS Auto Immune vs CCSVI Treatment Simple Pictures by Berukoff - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- New Promising Treatment for Those Living with Multiple Sclerosis - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Stem cells to treat MS - Pt 2 - MSRA Public Lecture - A/Prof Richard Burt - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2011]
- New hope for treating multiple sclerosis - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- CCSVI Multiple sclerosis Breakthrough/cure - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- Inhuman Treatment of Wheelchair bound Multiple Sclerosis Patient in Canadian Care Home - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2011]
- MS treatment movie Cells4health.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2011]
- Racing to the Cure for MS: Myelin Repair Foundation Celebrates MS Awareness Week - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- [Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis] - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Adult Stem Cells - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Stem cells to treat MS - Pt 1 - MSRA Public Lecture - A/Prof Richard Burt - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis A Natural Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- My MS and Stem Cell Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- CCSVI Liberation News Reports - Video [Last Updated On: November 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2011]
- Stem Cells for MS Community Outreach: Patient Sam Harrell - Dallas, TX 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2011]
- Arthur S13 E2-1 - The Silent Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2011]
- Holly Huber on Recovery: Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Community Outreach San Diego CA - Video [Last Updated On: December 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 3rd, 2011]
- CCSVI - Video [Last Updated On: December 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 3rd, 2011]
- My Sister's Experience with Liberation Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis PART 2/2 - Video [Last Updated On: December 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 5th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis -- Treatment LDN story - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- ABC News - Multiple Sclerosis effectively treated by a new acoustic medical device. - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2011]
- MS Patient After Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: December 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 10th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis - Video [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2011]
- Journey of Connective Tissue, Autoimmune disease, steroid treatment updates. - Video [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2011]