Welcome to the research page on cognitive changes and rehabilitation in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The purpose of the study is to learn and understand more about the changes in brain function and cognitive abilities associated with MS. The study is also interested in testing two different training programs for helping people with MS, who are experiencing cognitive problems, including attention, memory, or organizational abilities. This study involves the collaboration between Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SHSC) and the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care (Baycrest). Following an initial telephone interview, all research activities for this study will be completed at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, 3560 Bathurst Street in Toronto.

Participation

This research involves two separate parts:

During the first part, we will be looking at differences in brain function and cognitive abilities in people with and without MS. Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) will measure brain activity, and a combination of computer and paper based tasks and questionnaires will be used to measure cognitive abilities.

The testing and training methods used in this research do not have any significant risks. All of our techniques are similar or identical to those used routinely in clinics and hospitals. All participants will be screened for eligibility to participate in this research. Please be assured that safety and confidentiality are our foremost concerns. In order for you to be eligible for the first part of the study, you would need to: Have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) Not have been diagnosed with another neurological (e.g. epilepsy) or any major psychiatric (e.g. schizophrenia) condition Be at least 18 years old, and fluent in English Be able to provide informed consent to all aspects of the study and be able to participate in two testing sessions (about 6 hours in total).

The second part of the study involves those eligible participants who have cognitive problems due to MS to participate in a 9-week training program. To determine the effectiveness of the programs, we will be measuring brain activity and cognitive abilities before and after the training programs.


To be eligible for the second part, you would need to:

• 
  Have cognitive difficulties in one of the areas targeted by the training programs (such as attention, memory, or organizational abilities)
• Be able to participate in a training session every week for 9 weeks (about 18 hours total)
• Participate in post-training and follow-up testing sessions (about 10 hours total)

Participants will be compensated for their time and travel expenses.

If you are interested in participating, or would like further information about the study, please contact Priya Kumar 416-785-2500, ext. 3104, or send us an e-mail at rehab_group@rotman-baycrest.on.ca.