About half of people with multiple sclerosis will have some type of cognitive dysfunction, meaning impairment in the ability to think, reason, concentrate, or remember. However, only 5% to 10% of those with cognitive dysfunction will have problems severe enough to interfere with everyday activities.1
Cognitive problems may arise when the lesions (areas of nerve damage) occur in the part of the brain where thinking occurs. There does not seem to be a correlation between physical symptoms of multiple sclerosis and cognitive dysfunction. And, you should know that cognitive problems may not worsen or progress after they appear. Cognitive dysfunction is nothing to be ashamed of and it is treatable. See your doctor as soon as possible to get help for problems relating to cognitive dysfunction.2
Symptoms of mild cognitive dysfunction1
- Impaired thinking
- Impaired reasoning—difficulty in analyzing situations
- Impaired concentration—difficulty in sorting through multiple stimuli or focusing on a task
- Impaired memory—recent memories are difficult to recall
- Slower fluency—have difficulty finding words when speaking
Symptoms of more severe cognitive dysfunction2
- Severely impaired thinking
- Severely impaired reasoning
- Severely impaired judgment
- Major personality changes
Treatment2
Three kinds of specialists are helpful in treating cognitive dysfunction, so ask your doctor to refer you to the one he or she thinks will be the most helpful.
Tips2
- Start MS treatment early. Studies show that the disease-modifying drugs slow down the rate at which new lesions develop
- Become organized. Work with your family to develop a system of organization. Develop a schedule that you can depend on
- Stay calm. When memory temporarily fails, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and let yourself relax
Helpful links
National MS Society, MS and Cognition
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/spotlight-cognition.asp
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
06223570/060784