5. Develop therapeutic interventions to improve fatigue and social cognition in MS.
MS has many symptoms including cognitive decline and fatigue. We have found that patients with MS, in addition to more usual cognitive symptoms such as memory loss, may also experience problems in socalled social cognition. This leads for instance to the inability to recognize emotions in others which can damage relations with significant others. The goal is to develop a therapeutic intervention to improve social cognition in patients with MS. Fatigue is one of the most frequent reported and debilitating symptoms of MS. Mechanisms underlying fatigue remain poorly understood. Associations between fatigue and performance decline (fatigability) are investigated to understand these mechanisms and improve therapy against increased sense of fatigue.
Projects
Enhancing social participation in MS
RESEARCHERS – Anniek Reinhardt, Sandra Rakers, Marieke Timmerman, Martijn Beenakker, Jan Meilof, Joke Spikman
PROJECT:
“Attention to the non-physical consequences of MS is important for improving the quality of life of people with MS”
A significant number of people with Multiple sclerosis (MS) experience one or more non-physical, neuropsychological problems over the course of the disease. These include cognitive complaints, mental fatigue, changes in social behavior, anxiety, and low mood or depression. These issues can be categorized in order into the Cognitive, Energetic, Behavioural, and Affective domains, collectively referred to as the ‘CEBA domains.’ These more invisible consequences of MS can pose major obstacles in daily life and hinder social participation.
The MS-CEBA study focuses specifically on these neuropsychological problems. Early identification of specific neuropsychological impairments allows timely intervention with appropriate neuropsychological treatment, helping people with MS maintain the ability to participate fully in society.
Financial contribution from Stichting MS Research (21-1138)
A stimulating challenge: Can weak electrical potentials improve walking ability in people with MS?
RESEARCHERS – Leda Maffei, Nikki Dreijer en Inge Zijdewind
PROJECT: Walking difficulties and fatigue are common in people with Multiple sclerosis (MS). These issues reduce mobility and lead to decreased physical activity, which negatively affects overall health and quality of life. Exercise programs can help alleviate these problems, but fatigue often makes it difficult to maintain regular training.
In this project, we use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to train walking ability. TENS is a safe and painless form of stimulation that participants can apply at home. We are investigating whether TENS, with or without concurrent strength training, can improve walking performance and reduce fatigue in people with MS. The intervention consists of a 4-week training/stimulation protocol, with participants training at home three times per week for 10 minutes per session.
Financial contribution from Stichting MS Research (22-1156)