ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Quality of life for persons living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is significantly lower than population norms. Fatigue, both physical and cognitive, is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of MS that decrease quality of life. Cognitive fatigue presents similarly to sensory overresponsiveness, but the connection has not been explored. PURPOSE: This study aims to describe how sensory-processing preferences and cognitive fatigue relate to variances in quality of life for people with MS. METHOD: A cross-sectional design was used with 30 people living with MS to complete the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and RAND-36. Spearman's coefficient measured nonparametric correlations between variables. FINDINGS: People with MS who have high scores in low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidant quadrants of the AASP also have higher levels of cognitive fatigue and poorer quality of life. Those with high scores in sensory seeking experience greater quality of life and less cognitive fatigue. IMPLICATIONS: The findings shape clinical practice by supporting the assessment of sensory processing alongside fatigue, offering individualized intervention planning to shape fatigue management, and fostering hope and quality of life for persons living with MS.
Subject(s)
Cognition Disorders/psychology , Fatigue/psychology , Multiple Sclerosis/psychology , Quality of Life , Sensation Disorders/psychology , Age Factors , Cognition Disorders/etiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Fatigue/etiology , Female , Humans , Male , Multiple Sclerosis/complications , Occupational Therapy , Sensation Disorders/etiology , Severity of Illness Index , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Up to 65% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have cognitive impairment that negatively affects quality of life, social functioning, and work. Evidence is building to suggest cognitive rehabilitation is a helpful intervention strategy, and that a group approach can be effective for individuals with MS. Further exploration of how to maximize the potential of group cognitive interventions is warranted. OBJECTIVE: To describe how the psychological process of learning to live with MS-related cognitive changes influences participation in a group cognitive intervention. METHODS: A qualitative design with interpretive description approach was used to ask consumers with MS the important features of a group cognitive intervention. Ten females with self-reported physician-diagnosed MS participated in two focus groups. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Inductive analysis resulted in content and process categories and themes. RESULTS: The focus groups echoed the processes and relationships that occur in a group intervention program. The main three themes represented stages in a process of learning to live with cognitive changes. The three themes were: 1) coming to know yourself with cognitive changes, 2) learning to cope with cognitive changes and 3) living a changed life. Relationships exist between these stages and the extent to which an individual will benefit from a group cognitive intervention program. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of group process and the psychological processes involved in behavioral change are essential skills for facilitating a cognitive intervention group for people with MS.
