Article

The aim of the study was to investigate the predictive value of important
disease-related variables on goal attainment in cognitive rehabilitation in
multiple sclerosis (MS).
The possible predictive value of executive functions,
neurological disability, depression and general cognitive ability was assessed,
employing Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Fifty-seven patients with MS were
assessed for executive functions, neurological disability, depression and general
cognitive ability, and guided through the process of formulating GAS-goals for
coping with cognitive challenges in everyday life during a four week in-patient
cognitive rehabilitation programme. GAS-goal attainment was scored during
biweekly follow-up calls in the first three months post-discharge from the
rehabilitation centre, and finally at seven months after the start of the
rehabilitation. Consistent with the first study hypothesis MS patients succeeded
in formulating and achieving GAS goals for coping with cognitive problems in
everyday life. The patients were able to maintain a satisfactory level of goal
attainment from the first measurement point after six weeks to seven months after
the start of the rehabilitation. However, contrary to the second hypothesis,
attainment of GAS goals was not predicted by executive functions. Neither was it
predicted by neurological disability, depression or general cognitive ability.
The findings suggest that GAS may be a practical and robust method in cognitive
rehabilitation in MS patients, regardless of important disease-related
characteristics.

Langue : ANGLAIS