Evaluation of NeuroPage as a memory aid for people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

Goodwin, Rachel A; Goodwin, Rachel A.; Lincoln, Nadina B; das Nair, Roshan; Bateman, Andrew

Abstract

Memory problems are reported in 40-60% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). These problems affect independence and may limit the ability to benefit from rehabilitation. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of NeuroPage for people with MS living in the community. A multicentre, single-blind randomised controlled crossover trial was conducted. The intervention comprised the NeuroPage service, which sends reminder messages to mobile phones at pre-arranged times. In the control condition participants received “non-memory texts”, that is messages not aimed at providing a reminder, for example supplying News headlines or sport updates. Outcome measures were completed using postal questionnaires after each condition. There were 38 participants, aged 28 to 72 (mean 48, S.D. 11) and 10 (26%) were men. There were no significant differences between NeuroPage and control conditions on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (p=0.41, d=0.02). The number of daily diary items forgotten in the NeuroPage condition was significantly less than in the control (9% vs. 31%, p=0.01, d=-0.64). Psychological distress was less in the NeuroPage condition than control (p=0.001, d=-0.84). Further evaluation of the effect on everyday memory is required.

Citation

Goodwin, R. A., Goodwin, R. A., Lincoln, N. B., das Nair, R., & Bateman, A. (2018). Evaluation of NeuroPage as a memory aid for people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 30(1), 15-31. https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2018.1447973

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 22, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Mar 20, 2018
• Publication Date: Mar 20, 2018
• Deposit Date: Feb 27, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 21, 2019
• Journal: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0960-2011
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-0694
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 15-31
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2018.1447973
• Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; Memory; Neuropsychological rehabilitation; Memory aid; RCT
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/920609
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09602011.2018.1447973
• Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation on 20/03/2018, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09602011.2018.1447973
• Contract Date: Feb 27, 2018