Abstract
Research shows that people with multiple sclerosis exhibit teaming and memory difficulties and that music can be used successfully as a mnemonic device to aid in teaming and memory. However, there is currently no research investigating the effectiveness of music mnemonics as a compensatory teaming strategy for people with multiple sclerosis. Participants with clinically definitive multiple sclerosis (N = 38) were given a verbal teaming and memory test Results from a recognition memory task were analyzed that compared teaming through music (n = 20) versus teaming through speech (n = 18). Preliminary baseline neuropsychological data were collected that measured executive functioning skills, teaming and memory abilities, sustained attention, and level of disability. An independent samples t test showed no significant difference between groups on baseline neuropsychological functioning or on recognition task measures. Correlation analyses suggest that music mnemonics may facilitate teaming for people who are less impaired by the disease. Implications for future research are discussed.