Dr. Lesley Ritchie, C.Psych. Ms. Jodie Gawryluk, B.A.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING: MANAGING COGNITIVE DEFICITS
Dr. Lesley Ritchie, C.Psych. Ms. Jodie Gawryluk, B.A. Department of Clinical Health Psychology University of Manitoba

Overview Introduction to the brain Understanding MS The treatment team
What is neuropsychology? Neuropsychological assessment Cognitive domains Neuropsychological profile of MS Managing neuropsychological deficits Specific strategies Special considerations

What is neuropsychology? Neuropsychological assessment Cognitive domains Neuropsychological profile of MS Managing neuropsychological deficits Specific strategies Special considerations Neuropsychological rehabilitations for individuals with MS requires knowledge regarding brain function, the cognitive symptoms of MS, the impact of personal, emotional, physical, and social impacts of MS symptoms and the associated impact on cognitive functioning. We must first understand the brain and MS before selecting cognitive strategies to compensate for deficits.

Introduction to the brain
The brain monitors and controls nearly everything that we do from our breathing and heart beats to our senses (e.g., vision, hearing), to our movements, speech, and personality

The brain is divided into left and right cerebral hemispheres Left Hemisphere is important for: Right Hemisphere is important for: language (thinks in words) math logical abilities movement of the right side of the body visual information (thinks in pictures) organization creativity movement of the left side of the body

Frontal Lobes Movement Speaking Planning Organizing Reasoning Decision making Judgment Personality

Temporal Lobes Memory Recognition Hearing Understanding Language Emotions

Parietal Lobes Sensations Reading and Writing Ability to use Numbers Spatial Reasoning Perception

Occipital Lobes Locating objects in space Recognizing the
Seeing objects Locating objects in space Recognizing the things we see

Cerebellum Maintaining balance Coordination of movement Timing of movement

Brain Stem Connection between brain and body Breathing Blood pressure Swallowing Appetite Body temperature Digestion Sleeping

Brain Anatomy The brain is made up of two types of tissue: Grey matter (where information is processed) White matter (the highways that take information to the processing stations) White matter Grey matter

Functional Analogy

Multiple Sclerosis Multiple = more than one
Sclerosis = area of stiffening/damage Autoimmune disorder Immune system attacks the CNS Demyelination White matter tissue is white because of myelin, a fatty covering that helps information travel to brain areas quickly Most common demyelinating disorder

Multiple Sclerosis Symptom onset btwn 20 – 40 years of age
2-3x more common in women Increased prevalence in northern latitudes

Multiple Sclerosis Affects brain and spinal cord
Altered motor, sensory, and cognitive functioning Common presenting symptoms (Olek 2005) Symptoms vary according to disease course Symptom Frequency (%) Sensory disturbance - limbs 30.7 Visual loss 15.9 Motor disturbance (subacute) 8.9 Diplopia 6.8 Gait disturbance 4.8 Motor (acute) 4.3 Balance problems 2.9 Sensory disturbance (face) 2.8

Multiple Sclerosis Disease course Relapsing and remitting MS (RRMS):
Clearly defined attacks and periods of remission Triggers: warm weather, infections, stress Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): 80% with initial RRMS show declines between attacks w/o periods of remission; most common Primary progressive MS (PPMS): 10% who do not have period of remission following 1st attack Continuous decline Older at onset Progressive relapsing MS (PRMS): steady decline with attacks Bobholz & Gremley (2011)

Treatment Team GP: manages all medical concerns
Neurologist: manages concerns about MS or other brain conditions Radiologist: collects images of the brain Neuropsychologist

Clinical Neuropsychology
… is an applied science concerned with the behavioural expression of brain dysfunction (Lezak, 1995)

Normal Distribution - Test Interpretation
34.13% 2.14% 13.59% 0.13% Impaired Borderline Superior Average AVERAGE Low average Low Ave High Ave High average V. Superior 0.13% 13.59% 13.59% X 0.13% Z

34.13% 2.14% 13.59% 0.13% Impaired Borderline Superior Average AVERAGE Low average Low Ave High Ave High average V. Superior 0.13% 13.59% 13.59% X X 0.13% Z

34.13% 2.14% 13.59% 0.13% Impaired Borderline Superior Average AVERAGE Low average Low Ave High Ave High average V. Superior 0.13% 13.59% 13.59% X X X 0.13% Z

What neural mechanisms underlie various cognitive abilities and different emotional states? How do these mechanisms work ? What are the effects of brain damage on behaviour ? Application of appropriate intervention strategies

Neuropsychological Assessment Specific nature of the injury Pre-injury history  strengths / weaknesses Specific situation demands of life / work Supports available Personality factors Emotional response to injury & limitations Adaptive & coping skills Beliefs / expectations of client & family Psychometrics The first step in developing a rehabilitation plan is to evaluate the client’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and to see how these map onto his or her premorbid, current, and projected functioning. The level of functioning demonstrated by an individual with brain injury is dependent on many variables, any and all of which can influence levels of adaptive function. Some of these variables are:

All neuropsychological tests are developed through research Administered in a standardized manner Results are compared to normative data

Cognitive domains Estimated premorbid ability General Intellectual ability Attention Speed of information processing Sensory – motor function Language Visual Perception & Construction Executive functions Memory Mood / Psychopathology / Personality Validity & Effort

Neuropsychological Profile of MS
45-65% of people with MS have cognitive symptoms 80% of those are mildly affected Even mild problems can interfere with everyday activities Cognitive deficits increase with prolonged disease duration 20-30% of patients develop more severe impairments, such as dementia Cognitive deficits don’t tend to fluctuate

Greater deficits associated with
Progressive disease courses (PPMS, SPMS) Duration of disease Increased prevalence of cognitive decline in men Quantity of MR abnormalities

Cognitive Impairment in MS
Processing speed Attention/concentration Sustained Complex Memory (40-60%) Episodic/recent memory Working memory Executive functioning (EF) Abstract reasoning Problem-solving Language Verbal fluency Naming Visuospatial skills Table 20.3; Bobholz & Gremley (2011)

Processing Speed Speed of mental activity Most common
Underlying factor Memory Working memory

Attention Attention = vigilance, capacity for information, switching attention, selective attention 20-25% of MS patients Deficits in rapid and complex info processing Working memory Attentional switching Rapid visual scanning Intact attention span

Information about Attention
Focused Attention is the ability to focus on something in the moment. For example, focused attention can be for things you see, such as watching television or for things you hear, such as listening to the radio.

Sustained Attention allows you to focus on something over a long period of time For example, watching a movie or reading a book.

Selecting Attention allows you to pick out important information from unimportant or distracting information For example, listening to a conversation in a noisy cafeteria.

Shifting Attention allows you to switch back and forth between two different tasks. For example, when you are cooking you may need to shift your attention back and forth between watching for a pot boil and preparing vegetables to put in the pot.

Information about Attention Types of Attention
Divided Attention allows you to work on two different tasks at the same time, and is sometimes referred to as multi-tasking. For example, singing along to the radio while driving home.

Symptoms of Attention Difficulties Becoming easily distracted Having trouble keeping track of what is being said and done or have trouble making sense of things Having trouble focusing on one person, thing or conversation in crowded environments Having trouble keeping track of more than one thing at a time Having difficulty doing more than one task at a time Having difficulty learning and remembering information Becoming easily frustrated with yourself and others Feeling confused and overwhelmed Avoiding contact with care givers, friends and family

Memory Ability to learn and recall information about previous experiences. E.g., favorite song and the look of our home Different types of memory are stored in different places in the brain. Verbal information (such as words) are typically stored on the left side of the brain Visual information (such as pictures) are typically stored on the right side of the brain

Facts about Memory Types of memory
Different types of memory based on time. Short term memory, Working memory, Recent memory, and Long term memory

Facts about Memory Short term memory
This is the ability to remember something in the moment or that you only need to remember for a few minutes Remembering a phone number you have just been told Short term memory is often impaired after a brain injury

Facts about Memory Working memory
This is the ability to remember in the moment or for a few minutes while you focus on something else or are distracted An example is keeping a phone number in mind while looking for a pen and paper to write it down. Working memory is often affected by brain injury

Facts about Memory How are memories made?
1. Attention You must pay attention to what you are learning 2. Recording Your brain needs to 'take in' and record information 3. Retain The information needs to be stored in the right spot 4. Retrieve Information needs to be recalled when it is needed again If problems occur anywhere in these steps, then memory difficulties will occur The 3 R’s of Memory

Executive Functioning
Cognitive abilities required to complete goal-directed behaviors that are not automatic, overlearned, or routine (Sohlberg & Mateer, 2001).

Initiation Inhibition Set-switching Judgment/Reasoning Goal identification Working memory Speed of processing Cognitive flexibility/problem-solving Sequential processing Planning Self-Monitoring Perseveration Prioritizing Multi-tasking Emotional control Insight/Awareness

15-20% of patients with MS exhibit executive dysfunction Impaired goal-directed behavior Verbal disinhibition Poor self-monitoring (e.g., tangential speech) Reduced insight Deficits in planning and prioritizing Problems with abstraction and conceptualization

Language and Visuospatial
Mild confrontation naming deficits Speech abnormalities (dysarthria, hypophonia) Poor verbal fluency (retrieval deficit/speed) 20-25% Visuospatial Angle matching Face recognition impact of changes in vision/diplopia Visual miscalculations

Managing Neuropsychological Deficits

Neuropsychological rehabilitation Interventions aiming to enhance or support cognitive abilities following brain injury, with an emphasis on achieving functional changes (Sohlberg & Mateer, 2001) Target: reductions in cognitive, emotional, psychological functioning that encumber everyday functioning Goal: increase independent functioning by means of enhanced knowledge and skill, behavior change, or implementation of compensatory strategies

Foundation of cognitive intervention Tx based on current level of function Build on strengths to support weaknesses Collaborative Goal-oriented Education

Specific Strategies Processing speed Attention Memory
Executive functioning Language

Processing Speed Complete one activity at a time
Schedule more time to complete tasks Limit distractions Record information for later review

Attention Orienting procedures Pacing “What am I doing?”
Minimizes gaps in attention Pacing Realistic expectations Elongated performance times Minimize frustration Vary according to time of day Schedule adequate rest

Attention Environmental modification Work in a quiet environment
Reduce clutter Limit distractions Refer to checklists to complete tasks Set timers to prevent going overtime Work on one task at a time Double/triple check work to minimize errors Have a significant other check work

Attention Top Ten tips to help you manage attention difficulties:
Practice Check in Modify your environment Pace yourself. Take care of yourself. Monitor your mood. Double check Break tasks down Do difficult tasks at your best time of day. Use your family and friends for support.

Take care of yourself. Fatigue, hunger, and/or thirst all adversely affect your attention. Taking care of yourself will help maintain optimum attention.

Memory Repetition - Repeat the information over and over and over again. Looking at something one time is never enough. For example, if you are trying to learn someone’s name, repeating it over and over to yourself can help you remember it.

Memory Multimodal learning –
It helps to learn the same information in different ways. For example, to learn a new recipe, it helps to read over the steps in the recipe, listen to someone telling you the steps, and practice the recipe by doing it. See it, hear it, do it!

Memory Break it down - Break up what you want to remember into smaller steps. If you have something really tough to learn, try to break it down into small bits and then learn one bit at a time.

Memory Write it down - When something is important to remember, write it down, and keep it in a safe place. Remember to check your notes regularly. Writing information down also allows for repeated exposure to the information (Hear, Write, Read – 3x exposure) Calendar Daytimer PDA or cell phone Notebook

Helpful Hints for Errorless Learning
Memory Learn it right the first time - New skills are easier to remember if you learn them the right way (mistakes are hard to correct later) Helpful Hints for Errorless Learning 1. Break the task down into smaller steps. 2. Learn each step at a time and avoid making errors that may confuse you later . 3. Complete the task you are trying to learn together with someone who has done it before. Ask this person to talk through the steps as you learn the task (this will help you to avoid errors) 4. Use hints that will help you remember the steps (you can ask someone for hints or make up notes for yourself that guide you to the next step) 5. Only try to do the new skill when you are sure you know the steps and can do it error-free

Memory Elaboration – This is a technique that you can use to make information more meaningful and easier to remember. Information can be easier to remember if you think through all of the details. Here are some questions to help you elaborate: Can you link this with anything or anyone you know? Do you link this with any feelings? Is there anything about it that is unique or special? Can you link this with things in your daily life? How does it look? How does it feel? How does it sound? How does it smell? How does it taste?

Memory Space out your attempts to retrieve information - Try to recall new information several times in a row. If you can recall it correctly, then gradually increase the time (from minutes to hours) between attempts. For example, recall information the first time after 20 seconds, then space out your attempts to recall – 30 sec, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, later that day, and the next day. Set up a Routine - Follow a daily or weekly routine to help you remember events and times to get regular tasks done each day.

Spaced Retrieval Distributed practice Brooke Smith

355-2941 355-294_ 355-29_ _ 355-2_ _ _ Backward Chaining
Prompts are provided and gradually faded out

Who is this?

Memory External Aides (portable memory)
Labels on the outside of boxes, drawers, and cupboards to help you find things. Post-it notes to leave yourself reminders in places around your home. A notepad beside the phone to write down messages and reminders Checklists or shopping lists. Diary for storing and planning Alarm clock, or timer to help you remember when you are supposed to do something A calendar to keep track of appointments A tape recorder to leave messages for yourself A pill reminder box to keep track of medications

Memory Get Organized – It is easier to remember where things are if they are kept in one place. For example, if you are constantly losing your wallet, you will find it faster if you always leave it in the same spot. Make A 'To Do' List – Making a list of things that you need to do can help you remember all that you need to get done. For example, you can make a list of chores to remind yourself of what needs to be done.

Memory Mnemonics Richard of York gives battle in vain
Consciously leaned Require considerable effort Verbal or visual Richard of York gives battle in vain Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet My very elderly mother just sat upon a new pin Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto

Structure and Routine! Do things that require the most initiation in the morning or after a rest Set a small number of goals for each day Set up (with assistance) organizational practices Large family calendar Online bill payment Use labels Schedules Simplify activities Prioritize Checklists

Meta-cognitive strategies To regulate behavior and increase goal-oriented behavior Self-talk Tracking behaviors Self-monitoring Tracking errors and attention lapses Goal Management Training

Goal Management Training
Maintaining intentions in goal-directed behavior is reliant on intact executive functioning GMT based on theory of goal neglect resulting in disorganized behavior following frontal lobe injury Levine et al. (2000).

Language Language Communication skills training Group interventions
Modeling and generalization Building social networks In MS, many language deficits are due to physical changes (i.e., dysphagia) and reduced speed of processing. Allow more time for communication

Caveat Neuropsychological interventions should be person-specific
Different presentations Attention Processes Executive Processes Memory Processes Selective Attention Divided Attention Alternating Attention Task Performance Working Memory Prospective Memory Awareness Solberg & Mateer (2001), Figure 8.3

Special Considerations
Common symptoms of MS Emotional and psychological difficulties Depression Fatigue Pain

EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES
Can impact neuropsychological functioning

EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES

Depression Patients with MS have a 50% lifetime risk for depression
Higher prevalence than the general population and higher than in other brain disorders Depression is treatable! Prevalence of anxiety is 25% - usually associated with diagnostic uncertainty and decreases over time

Depression Common Symptoms Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of interest in daily activities. Appetite or weight changes Sleep changes Psychomotor agitation or retardation Loss of energy Self-loathing Concentration problems

Depression Self-management strategies Schedule in activities each day
Make plans to see supportive friends/family Consider joining a support group Try a new hobby Try activities that make you think (this will help with your recovery too!) Stay away from drugs/alcohol Exercise (e.g., go for a short walk) Referral to a Clinical Psychologist Psychotherapy

Depression Risk of Suicide
When feelings of depression are severe, it is important for family members/friends to be aware of suicide risk. If your family member/friend talks about wanting to end their life or makes statements such as "It would have been better if I had died" he/she may be thinking about suicide. It is important not to ignore these comments and to contact a member of the healthcare team immediately. For support from the mental health crisis team (available 24 hours a day all week) Call (MANITOBA SUICIDE LINE)

Fatigue Why does MS cause fatigue?
The brain has to work harder to do the same activities it did before. Because the brain has to work so hard, it can become tired more quickly. The brain may be trying to heal as you recover from a relapse and this takes more energy than usual, which can lead to fatigue. MS can lead to problems with sleeping, which can leave you feeling exhausted.

Fatigue When you have fatigue, you may feel suddenly exhausted and lack the energy to do basic tasks. Mental Fatigue Increased forgetfulness Lack of motivation to plan your day Lack of interest in things you enjoy Withdrawal Slower speech Giving short answers in a quiet/dull voice Increased irritability or anxiety Slurred speech Difficulty finding words Poor concentration Physical Fatigue Shortness of breath Slower movement Withdrawal Cramps or weak muscles Poor coordination or balance Falls Poor vision

Fatigue It can help to figure out what triggers your fatigue, and how long it takes you to become fatigued. Keeping track of these factors can help you tailor coping strategies to suit you best. Once you know how fatigue affects you, there are a number of strategies that can be used to help you manage the fatigue that so often results from a brain injury.

What makes fatigue worse?
Doing too many things. Not taking breaks during the day. Stress Illness Too little exercise. Poor nutrition, such as eating junk food. Alcohol and caffeine Feeling depressed or anxious. Poor sleep.

What are some strategies that can make fatigue better?
Following a Routine Environmental aids Timing of activities Pace Yourself Sleep Eat properly Exercise your body Exercise your mind Plan ahead Seek support

How to cope with Fatigue When should you ask for help?
Talk with someone on your health care team if….. You are having trouble using strategies to cope with fatigue Your fatigue gets worse over time You are too fatigued to get out of bed during the day You have trouble sleeping and aren't functioning properly You feel sadness and lack of motivation along with fatigue You are having trouble taking care of yourself Your ability to think through daily activities is affected by fatigue

Pain Like emotional difficulties, pain can negatively impact cognitive functioning by: Stealing one’s attention/focus Reducing processing speed Attention and processing speed deficits can negatively impact memory Exacerbating psychological and emotional difficulties

Pain Coping strategies Psychotherapy Relaxation strategies
Abdominal breathing Imagery Progressive muscle relaxation Cognitive restructuring Behavior management Planning Prioritizing Pacing Learning how to communicate about pain

Final Considerations Potential obstacles to successful interventions
Diminished insight Poor engagement/motivation to change Significantly compromised cognitive functioning Poor generalization Include significant others in the treatment program Build generalization into the treatment program. Collaborative relationship with the patient and family Homework Real world examples Work with patient to identify barriers to complete homework Bring significant others on board to assist with generalization Sohlberg & Mateer (2001)

Final Considerations Solutions Include significant others
Build generalization into the treatment program. Collaborative relationship with the patient and family Homework Real world examples Work with patient to identify barriers to complete homework Over-learning Relapse planning and management Sohlberg & Mateer (2001)

Dr. Lesley Ritchie, C.Psych. Ms. Jodie Gawryluk, B.A.

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