Memory impairment is among the most common cognitive deficits in
people with multiple sclerosis (MS). To remediate this problem, recent
research has evaluated the benefits of self-generated encoding. These
nascent investigations reveal that people with MS who have mild memory
impairment demonstrate a significant memory benefit from self-generated
encoding compared with didactic learning. To extend prior research, the
present experiment included MS patients with moderate–severe, rather
than just mild, memory impairment. Additionally, the experiment evaluated
whether self-generated encoding improves memory for activities of daily
living instead of abstract words. Specifically, the experiment determined
whether self-generated encoding enhanced memory for names, appointments,
and object locations. In agreement with and extending prior research, MS
patients remembered more information if it was self-generated rather than
didactically presented, and this finding occurred despite
moderate–severe memory impairment. Furthermore, compared with
didactic encoding, self-generation enhanced recall of activities of daily
living. Implications of these findings for cognitive rehabilitation and
the nature of memory impairment in MS are discussed (JINS, 2006,
12, 640–648.)