Cognitive challenges affect up to 70% of people living with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). From memory issues and slowed thinking to trouble focusing or multitasking, these symptoms often go unnoticed but can deeply impact daily life.
At ECTRIMS 2025, several research teams presented exciting new findings about how cognitive training, mindfulness, digital tools, and even smarter goal-setting can support brain health, independence, and quality of life. In this episode, I’ll walk you through five standout posters – translated from research language into real-life relevance for people with MS.
Let’s explore what works, what’s promising, and how this knowledge might help you or someone you care about.
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🧠 Poster 1: Rewiring the MS Brain: Cognitive Training Enhances Multisensory Integration and Drives Cortical Reorganisation
Authors: Styliadis C. et al.
🟪 Summary:
This study explored whether 12 weeks of computer-based cognitive training (CCT) could improve not only thinking skills but also how the brain integrates multiple senses—like combining sound and visuals—in people with MS.
Who took part: 34 people with MS, divided into a CCT group and a control group.
What they did: The CCT group completed targeted exercises three times per week for 12 weeks.
What was measured: Cognitive performance (especially processing speed and working memory), physical balance, perceived disease impact, and brain activity using EEG.
🟩 Results:
The training significantly improved processing speed and working memory.
It also reduced how much participants felt impacted by MS in daily life.
Physical tests showed better static balance, though not dynamic balance.
EEG scans showed increased activation in brain areas responsible for integrating multisensory information—especially the left middle temporal gyrus.
💡 Why it matters:
This type of cognitive training shows potential not just for boosting memory and focus, but for reorganizing brain networks to make everyday tasks easier. And because it’s home-based and digital, it could be made widely accessible.
📉 Cochrane Evidence Level: Level II (well-designed RCT, small sample)
Reliability: Moderate-to-high; results statistically significant but require replication in larger studies.
Relevance: High — supports the use of home-based digital cognitive training as an accessible, non-drug intervention to improve daily functioning and independence.
🟨 Takeaway: Cognitive training doesn’t just sharpen your mind — it may also help your brain “rewire” itself for better everyday function.
📚 Reference: Styliadis C. et al., ECTRIMS 2025, Poster P2001
If you’re wondering why this type of training works so well, another study by the same team looked deeper into brain mechanisms—and found some fascinating links between sensory processing and cognitive improvement.
👂 Poster 2: Enhancing Multisensory Integration in MS: Neuroplastic Changes and Rehabilitation Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training
Authors: Styliadis C. et al.
🟪 Summary:
This study focused on how the same cognitive training (CCT) affects multisensory integration (MSI)—the brain’s ability to combine input from different senses (e.g. visual + auditory), which is often impaired in MS.
Who took part: 31 people with MS (PwMS), divided into CCT and control groups.
What they did: 12 weeks of audiovisual-based training.
What was measured: Audiovisual task performance, cognitive outcomes (SDMT, working memory), and EEG activity.
🟩 Results:
The CCT group showed significant improvements in audiovisual integration tasks.
Better MSI performance correlated with higher processing speed, attention, and working memory.
EEG scans revealed functional brain changes, particularly in regions involved in sensory processing.
💡 Why it matters:
Training the brain to process multisensory input more effectively may lead to improved focus and attention in real-world situations—like conversations in noisy environments.
📉 Cochrane Evidence Level: Level II (controlled intervention study)
Reliability: Moderate-to-high; confirms results from Poster 1, adds robustness.
Relevance: High — sensory overload is common in MS; this training may reduce cognitive fatigue and improve daily interactions.
🟨 Takeaway: Training multisensory integration could strengthen both cognitive skills and resilience in complex everyday environments.
📚 Reference: Styliadis C. et al., ECTRIMS 2025, Poster P889
🧘♀️ Poster 3: Neuroeducation Combined with Mindfulness-Based Meditation as a Novel Group-Based Neurorehabilitation Approach
Authors: Gyger N., Monschein T., Penner I.-K. et al.
🟪 Summary:
This study combined neuroeducation (about cognition and MS) with mindfulness meditation in a 7-week group program to improve cognitive and emotional health in people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
Who took part: 34 participants with RRMS
What they did: Weekly group sessions + daily home mindfulness practice over 7 weeks.
What was measured: Processing speed, memory, fatigue, anxiety, depression, stress, and self-efficacy.
🟩 Results:
Significant improvements in SDMT, working memory, fatigue, anxiety, and depression (p < .05).
Participants reported less perceived stress and greater self-efficacy.
Trend toward reduced perceived cognitive deficits (not yet statistically significant).
💡 Why it matters:
This low-cost, non-drug group program can improve both cognitive function and emotional balance, especially helpful in managing stress-related symptoms of MS.
📉 Cochrane Evidence Level: Level III (non-randomized pre-post study)
Reliability: Moderate; no control group, but outcomes consistent with other mindfulness literature.
Relevance: Very high — offers scalable intervention for psychosocial and cognitive support.
🟨 Takeaway: Mindfulness and neuroeducation together may help you focus better, feel calmer, and regain a sense of control.
📚 Reference: Gyger N. et al., ECTRIMS 2025, Poster P887
🎯 Poster 4: Beyond SMART: Evaluating Goal Setting in a Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Trial in MS
Authors: Morris N., Sticky J., Topcu G., et al.
🟪 Summary:
This study assessed how well rehabilitation goals in neuropsychological therapy meet SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), and how consistent therapists are in rating them.
Who took part: 30 PwMS with 134 rehab goals evaluated
What they did: Goals rated under blinded and unblinded conditions using a traffic-light system.
What was measured: Goal quality, rating consistency (interrater reliability).
🟩 Results:
Most goals failed to meet full SMART criteria, especially due to vague timeframes.
Training improved goal clarity.
High interrater agreement (ICC > 0.8), especially in unblinded settings.
💡 Why it matters:
Effective goal-setting is key to motivation and success in rehab. When patients are more involved and goals are well structured, outcomes are more measurable and meaningful.
📉 Cochrane Evidence Level: Level IV (methodological study)
Reliability: Moderate; focused on process quality, not patient outcomes.
Relevance: Medium — useful for professionals; indirectly helpful for PwMS through better rehab planning.
🟨 Takeaway: Clear, measurable goals empower both patients and therapists to work more effectively together.
📚 Reference: Morris N. et al., ECTRIMS 2025, Poster – NEURoMS Trial
💻 Poster 5: Early Detection of Cognitive Deficits Using the CogState Computerized Battery in MS – Argentina Multicenter Study
Authors: Vanotti S. et al.
🟪 Summary:
This multicenter study compared a digital cognitive test (CogState) with the traditional BICAMS to detect early cognitive changes in MS. The aim was to explore digital tools for earlier and easier screening.
Who took part: 56 PwMS across 8 clinics in Argentina
What they did: Completed both CogState and BICAMS tests
What was measured: Detection rates of cognitive deficits, test agreement, relation to disease duration
🟩 Results:
Similar detection rates: CogState (22.6%) vs. BICAMS (22%) — no significant difference (p = .686)
CogState better at identifying early reaction time and vigilance issues
Digital test is quicker and more scalable for remote use
💡 Why it matters:
CogState may offer a practical solution for early screening, especially in settings with limited access to neuropsychological care. Early detection can help initiate support and treatment sooner.
📉 Cochrane Evidence Level: Level III (diagnostic comparison study)
Reliability: Moderate; cross-sectional results are consistent, but longitudinal data needed.
Relevance: High — digital screening tools are essential for timely cognitive care.
🟨 Takeaway: Digital tests like CogState may help detect cognitive decline earlier — and more conveniently — than traditional tools.
📚 Reference: Vanotti S. et al., ECTRIMS 2025, Poster – Argentina Multicenter Study
🧠 Episode 1 Wrap-Up: Cognitive Rehab in MS – What the Research Shows
Here’s a quick summary of what we learned from five promising ECTRIMS 2025 posters:
🔹 Poster 1 – Cognitive training + brain rewiring
Digital brain training improved processing speed and working memory—and even changed brain activity patterns linked to sensory integration. A home-based option with real impact.
🔹 Poster 2 – Strengthening multisensory processing
Targeted training helped participants better combine sight and sound, which was linked to sharper attention and memory. A potential tool for reducing mental overload in noisy or complex environments.
🔹 Poster 3 – Mindfulness meets MS
A 7-week group program combining mindfulness and neuroeducation reduced stress, fatigue, and anxiety—and boosted thinking skills. Simple, low-cost and powerful.
🔹 Poster 4 – Smarter goals for better rehab
Many rehab goals weren’t clearly defined—but training therapists improved goal quality and consistency. Clearer goals = better results.
🔹 Poster 5 – Early detection goes digital
A computerized test (CogState) matched the accuracy of traditional cognitive screening, while detecting early signs like slower reaction time. Quick, remote and ready for clinical use.
▶️ Up next from ECTRIMS 2025– Episode 137: Movement & Digital Rehab in MS
We’ll explore how robot-based tests, telerehabilitation, and integrated rehab centers are changing the way people with MS stay active, mobile and independent.
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
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