The purpose of this study is to assess the ability of the home-based intervention, HOBSCOTCH-MS to improve the quality of life and cognitive function in Service Members, Veterans and civilians who have multiple sclerosis with cognitive and memory problems (MS participants). This study will also assess the ability of the HOBSCOTCH-MS program to improve quality of life in caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis and to reduce caregiver burden. Enrolling with a Caregiver is optional for MS participants.
Investigators will compare two groups of MS participants and their Caregiver (enrolling with a Caregiver is optional): one who receives HOBSCOTCH-MS immediately (Group 1) and another group that will receive HOBSCOTCH-MS (Group 2) after a 3-month waiting period. Participants will be in the study for about 6 months total.
HOBSCOTCH-MS involves 45 to 60 minute one on one virtual sessions with a certified Cognitive Coach including a "pre" program session and 8 weekly sessions thereafter. Participants will learn about problem solving therapy and mindfulness or relaxation training. MS participants are asked to do short homework assignments and both MS and Caregiver participants are asked to keep a brief daily diary on a smart phone app. All participants complete study questionnaires or surveys at enrollment, 3 months later and at 6 months (at the end of the study).
After completing the intervention, MS Participants and their Caregivers may also participate in an optional one-time Key Informant Interview for qualitative analysis in an effort to further adapt and improve the HOBSCOTCH-MS in the future.
Inclusion Criteria - MS Participant
Age 20 - 75 years
Diagnosis of relapsing or progressive MS
Education of at least Grade 12 or GED
Exclusion Criteria MS Participant
Current diagnosed psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or substance use disorder).
Other neurological disorder such as epilepsy, brain tumor, severe brain injury or mild to moderate brain injury with a history of 30 or more minutes' loss of consciousness, or other disorder that would confound the focus on MS
Diagnosed developmental attention, learning, or intellectual disorder; sensory, motor, or physical disability that would prevent engagement with the intervention or render the person unable complete study outcome measures