Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Improving Cognitive Recovery in Multiple Sclerosis

This study is exploring a new program called CIRCuiTS-MS, designed to help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) improve their daily thinking abilities. Researchers worked closely with people living with MS to adapt an existing program to better suit their needs, focusing on memory, attention, and problem-solving. This initial study will involve 24 participants and aims to find out if the adapted CIRCuiTS-MS program can be delivered practically in a trial setting and if it shows early signs of helping people. The program involves up to 36 hours of sessions over 12 weeks, where participants learn strategies for challenging tasks. The findings will help plan a bigger study to see how effective CIRCuiTS-MS truly is in improving the quality of life for people with MS.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

17 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

15 Sep 2026

Multiple Sclerosis

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a new way to help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who experience difficulties with their thinking skills, like memory, attention, or problem-solving. It's called CIRCuiTS-MS. Researchers have taken an existing program and, importantly, have worked with people who have MS to make it even better and more relevant to their experiences. They’ve changed parts of the program's content and how it's delivered to make sure it addresses the challenges MS patients actually face.

This specific study is a small, early-stage trial. Its main purpose is to see if this adapted CIRCuiTS-MS program can be put into practice easily within a research setting. They'll be watching to see if there are any problems, like if it's hard to find people to join, or if participants don't enjoy the program. Alongside this, the study will also look for early signs that the program might be beneficial. This includes checking if people get better at reaching their personal goals, if their thinking abilities improve, if they feel better emotionally, if their tiredness reduces, and if they find it easier to manage daily tasks.

Twenty-four people with MS will take part. Some will start the program right away, while others will wait a bit. The therapy involves up to 36 hours of guidance from a therapist and some independent work over 12 weeks. Participants will learn personal strategies to tackle digital tasks they find tricky. If this small study shows that CIRCuiTS-MS is both practical to deliver and liked by participants, the information gathered will be used to design a much larger study to prove its effectiveness. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the quality of life for people with MS who struggle with their thinking skills.

Key takeaways

This is an early study exploring a new program (CIRCuiTS-MS) for thinking difficulties in MS.
The program was developed with input from people living with MS.
It aims to improve everyday thinking skills, emotional well-being, and daily living.
Participation involves up to 36 hours of therapist-led and independent computer sessions over 12 weeks.
The study will check if the program is practical and acceptable before a larger trial.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have a confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). You should be in a stable period of your MS, meaning you're not having a severe flare-up or acute health crisis right now. It's important that you experience some thinking challenges related to your MS, like issues with memory or concentrating, and that you feel able to follow instructions and take part in the therapy sessions.

You'll need to be able to communicate well in English, both speaking and writing, and commit to attending all sessions over 12 weeks, including any homework. You must also have access to a computer (laptop or desktop) for at least an hour a week during this time. Please note that if you're already receiving similar types of thinking skills therapy, or if you have certain levels of depression or other mental health conditions like a psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder, you might not be able to join. We also want to make sure you're comfortable and safe in the study, so very severe physical disabilities that make it too hard to engage with the tasks might mean you can't take part. The research team will discuss all of this with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have a confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
I am 18 years old or older.
I experience thinking challenges related to my MS (e.g., memory, attention).
I am currently in a stable period with my MS.
I can communicate in English, both speaking and writing.
I have access to a computer (laptop or desktop) for at least one hour a week.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll be one of 24 people with MS taking part. Once you've agreed, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups: one group will start the CIRCuiTS-MS program straight away, and the other group will start after a 13-week wait. The therapy program itself involves up to 36 hours of sessions spread over 12 weeks. Some of these sessions will be directly with a therapist, and others will be for you to complete on your own using a computer.

During these sessions, you'll work on building your thinking skills by developing your own personal ways of dealing with tasks you find challenging, using digital activities. Throughout the study, there will also be sessions to check your progress regarding personal goals, thinking abilities, how you're feeling, your tiredness levels, and your daily living skills. You'll need to have access to a computer (laptop or desktop) for at least one hour per week during the 12-week treatment period. The total duration of your active participation will depend on which group you are in, and whether you start immediately or after the waiting period. You will not receive any medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits, such as a chance to improve your daily thinking skills, emotional well-being, and ability to manage everyday tasks, potentially reducing fatigue. However, being in a research study also has potential risks. This is a new program, and while it's hoped to be helpful, there's no guarantee it will improve your specific symptoms. You'll need to commit time for sessions and assessments, which might be demanding. There's also the chance you might not enjoy the program or find it challenging. It's really important to remember that joining this study is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and without your medical care being affected.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if a new program called CIRCuiTS-MS is practical to deliver and liked by people with MS, as a first step towards a larger study to prove its benefits.

What does CIRCuiTS-MS aim to help with?

It aims to help people with MS improve their everyday thinking skills, emotional well-being, tiredness, and their ability to do daily activities.

How long does the therapy program last?

The therapy program involves up to 36 hours of sessions over a 12-week period.

Will I have to take any new medication?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses on a therapy program to improve thinking skills.

What happens if I don't like the program?

Your feedback is important, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time if you don't like the program or for any other reason.