Cognition or those collective displayed difficulties such as memory, attention, planning, decision making, understanding or concentration can vary in presentation and display difficulties in every day life for individuals with MS.

This can present with difficulty with finding the right words to say, or trouble remembering tasks and routines, forgetting appointments, taking longer to solve problems or processing information. For most people with MS, cognitive change is mild and can fluctuate.

Changes can present themselves many ways

  • Difficulty to remember recent events or information.
  • Forgetful

Unable to recall words for objects or names of people

  • Difficulty with concentrating on tasks
  • Unable to follow conversations
  • Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed

  • Difficulty to follow instructions particularly if they are complex

  • Difficulty to judge speed, distance, depth and objects around you

  • Initiating and completing everyday tasks become more difficult
  • Understanding consequences of actions are difficult to judge

Other factors related to your MS

Other factors related to your MS, which can exacerbate cognitive difficulties include emotions such as stress, anxiety and depression.  Fatigue and poor sleep, infections and other illness can also have an impact.   Medications used to treat bladder problems, high tone and pain can impact cognition as well as heat and physical effort with balance and mobility.  For people living with MS, symptoms such as cognitive difficulties can be frustrating, because others may not notice how you feel.

Strategies to minimise effects

Compensatory strategies can be used to minimise the effects of symptoms.  These may include; starting a fixed routine; using verbal tricks to help you remember things (rhymes and sayings); visual and verbal associations can help (picturing someone with a visual association such as glasses or hair colour) or putting meaningful tags onto words or names (Mary from the Deli); using diaries or devices for reminders, planning or memory prompts; breaking down tasks and grading activity levels; prioritising tasks to allow you to focus on one thing at a time and where possible, removing distractions.  Avoid doing things when you are tired or anxious so that you have a better chance of staying focused.

For some people, cognitive problems can become more serious – they may not even be aware of the full extent of their difficulties and need more help than the above compensatory strategies.  In many cases cognitive training or rehabilitation can be of support.  This may involve structured activities designed to maintain or retrain your ability to use your judgement and make decisions. Symptom management can help which may include guided relaxation, breathing exercises, mindfulness and graded activity.

Suncoast Therapy Connections can help

Discuss your difficulties with an Occupational Therapist here at Suncoast Therapy Connections about tailored options to improve your individual situation.  With the right information and support, cognitive symptoms can be minimised effectively to maintain a productive, healthy and active life.

Additional information

For more information about Multiple Sclerosis visit MS Australia www.msaustralia.org.au.  Your GP should be the first contact for any new and/or persistent concerns related to cognition issues.  This information is intended to provide useful and accurate information of a general nature and is not a substitute for medical advice.