Telehealth Mindfulness Meditation Improves Cognitive Performance in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (P3.092)

Abstract

Objective: To assess the feasibility and benefit of the remote delivery of mindfulness training to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Background: Mindfulness meditation is a stress reduction technique that has been shown to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life for those living with MS. However, the requirement to attend weekly group sessions can limit access to patients with mobility or transportation barrier. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and benefit by remotely-delivering access to mindfulness training to reach participants in their homes using a group teleconference platform. Methods: MS participants were 2:1 randomized to either active training (one hourly phone session per week) or a control condition of initial instruction only (with no further training) for six weeks. A battery of cognitive tests and self-reported symptom and quality of life measures were administered at baseline and study end. Results: A total of n=30 MS participants completed the study (mean age 49.92 ± 9.9 years, 77[percnt] female) with subtypes of relapsing remitting (n=25; all treated with glatiramer acetate), secondary progressive (n=4), or primary progressive (n=1). Expanded Disability Status Scale scores ranged from 1.0 to 6.0 with a median score of 3.00. Active (n=20) vs. control (n=10) condition participants had significant improvement in cognitive measures of information processing (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, p=0.003; Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, p=0.002). Those in the active condition also reported greater reduction in fatigue, depressive symptoms and improved sleep quality after the mindfulness training. Fidelity to daily meditation practice was greatest for those who were initially seeking stress reduction training. Conclusions: Mindfulness meditation has the potential to improve cognitive functioning and symptoms of depression and fatigue for those living with MS. Providing instruction and practice through a telemedicine platform greatly improves access and lowers the cost of this symptomatic treatment approach.

Disclosure: Dr. Frontario has nothing to disclose. Dr. Feld has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sherman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Krupp has received licensing and/or royalty fees from Johnson and Johnson, AbbVie, and Grifols. Dr. Leigh Elkins Charvet has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen as a consultant.