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

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, SD 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.

KEYWORDS:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Memory
• Neuropsychological rehabilitation
• Memory aid
• RCT

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the MS Society under award reference number 971/12 and by the National Institute for Health Research East of England Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research & Care (NIHR CLAHRC EoE).

NeuroPage is offered from the Oliver Zangwill Centre as an NHS or privately funded treatment option but the authors do not receive any financial reward related to subscriptions to this service.

This study was completed as partial fulfilment of a PhD conducted at the University of Nottingham.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Rachel A Goodwin http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4084-3120

Nadina B Lincoln http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5604-2339

Roshan das Nair http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8143-7893

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the MS Society (Multiple Sclerosis Society UK) under award reference number 971/12 and by the NIHR.