Improving Learning in Hispanics With TBI or MS

The goal of this study is to establish that a memory retraining protocol, originally developed for English-speakers, and translated into Spanish, is effective.

A pilot study will be conducted to carry out this validation and resolve any methodological concerns in the translated protocol. 20 Spanish-speaking Hispanics at least one year post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 20 Spanish-speaking Hispanics with multiple sclerosis (MS), both with an objective deficit in learning and memory will be recruited. Baseline assessment includes neuropsychological evaluation using traditional measures as well as completion of a number of questionnaires designed to measure everyday memory and everyday functioning. Subjects are randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. Experimental and control treatments includes two 45-60 minute sessions, twice per week, for 5 weeks. Follow-up assessment includes a neuropsychological evaluation using traditional measures as well as completion of a number of questionnaires designed to measure everyday memory and everyday functioning. Protocol efficacy will be determined by improvements between baseline and follow-up on an objective measure of learning and memory.