Managing the Congnitive and Emotional Effects of MS
Cognitive training can help people with multiple sclerosis learn to compensate for functional changes. This may involve informal, self-help measures, or cognitive techniques that can help you learn strategies that act as a stand-in for an uncertain memory.
Much of the emotional impact of MS that is not due to neurological effects of the disease is related to feelings of uncertainty, anxiousness and helplessness. In order to regain or maintain a feeling of confidence and of having some control over one’s life, it is very important that an individual with MS becomes informed about the disease.
If cognitive issues are affecting your self-esteem, everyday functioning, or are causing distress for you or your family, don’t keep your concerns to yourself. Such issues are a frequent topic of discussion in MS support groups or educational meetings. Gathering information, talking to others affected to find out how they cope, and asking MS professionals about your concerns will help you access more resources and feel less isolated.
Improving your concentration can enhance your recall. Try focusing on one thing, such as the main point of an article, or names of characters in a book or movie, and then practice recalling them later. Use mental pictures to hang onto things you don’t want to forget; for example, if you want to remember to take your umbrella, picture yourself getting soaked in the rain.
Insights - How’s your work going?
Cognitive problems can affect your performance at work. Here is one man’s experience and how he manages.
I have memory loss, difficulty concentrating and trouble remembering names, appointments, errands to be completed and that appropriate word needed to finish a sentence. Before I became aware that my symptoms were related to cognitive dysfunction and there were techniques to manage them, I thought, at times, my conversations with people made little sense. I was also convinced that my IQ had dropped dramatically and that my ability to understand complex ideas was questionable.
Finally I went for a cognitive evaluation. Now, I know that: this condition is treatable; my IQ is unchanged; my worry about not clearly conveying my thoughts during a conversation was wrong; and that I was much too critical of my abilities. Yes, I have a problem, but I have learned how to live with it.
Here are some tips on managing this symptom:
- Plan your most challenging cognitive tasks for your best time of day, and take breaks to avoid cognitive fatigue.
- Keep a daily diary or notebook, or some form of digital organizer. Write down all appointments, reminders and lists of things to do in one place. Tick things off once they are done. Get into the habit of referring to this diary routinely, perhaps at the same time each morning and again in the evening for tomorrow’s schedule.
- When you make or receive a phone call, note the date, time, whom you spoke with and a short reminder about what was said.
- During a conversation in which you feel you need to remember what is being discussed, repeat back what was just discussed to clarify the important points. This aids in memory processing.
- Maintain a regular routine or schedule.
- Limit distractions as much as possible. At work this may include not sharing your work space, confining yourself to a small cubicle of an office and closing the office door when necessary.