1. Tips for Dealing with Cognitive Changes
2. People with MS experience cognitive changes in varying levels. In most cases, there are ways to treat or manage these changes. Certain techniques can help you jog your memory and compensate for cognitive difficulties. If you are experiencing memory lapses or forgetfulness, some basic tips can help you stay organized and focused:
3. Research has shown that MS can affect cognition—the mind's ability to store, organize and recall information. Cognitive dysfunction occurs when lesions (areas of nerve damage) occur in certain locations on the brain. Fortunately, cognitive problems caused by MS don't necessarily worsen over time.
4. If you are experiencing memory lapses or forgetfulness, some basic tips can help you stay organized and focused:
5. Be patient.
6. Substitute organization for memory. Get a loose-leaf organizer and learn to use it as your information center. Set up sections for appointments, to-do's, phone numbers, driving directions—anything that you are likely to forget. Some people like to use electronic personal organizers, which you can carry wherever you go.
7. Visit your library or bookstore for books on improving organization or improving memory.
8. When you are trying to learn something new, give yourself extra time to practice.
9. Set up a calendar to track family members' appointments, and refer to it daily.
10. Use a wristwatch, cell phone, or personal organizer with a beeper to remind you of events. People who must take medication at certain intervals find this especially useful.
11. Set up a particular place for storing frequently used items such as your car keys.
12. Make sure every household item has a set storage space and that family members use them.
13. Be aware of your focus and concentration. Sometimes we forget things because we never really learned them. Often we only half pay attention. Improving your concentration can improve your recall.
14. Plan your most challenging intellectual tasks for your "best" time of day (i.e., are you a morning person or a night owl?). Scheduled rest periods will also help you avoid what researchers call "cognitive fatigue."
15. When you meet a new person, jot down his or her name as soon as you can. Later, record notes in your loose--leaf organizer about the most striking things about that person.
16. When you're having trouble coming up with the right word or phrase, don't persist in trying to find that elusive word. Try to shift your attention to something else. The word you want may come back to you later.
17. Try to stay calm when memory fails. It's normal to feel tense or frustrated when you forget or lose something, so take a few moments to calm down. Your memory will usually clear.
18. Maintain your sense of humour.
19. If you think MS is affecting your cognition, talk over your concerns with your physician or nurse, or share your feelings with family members, a well partner, or a close friend. You may want to attend an MS support groups or educational meetings; cognitive dysfunction is often a topic of discussion in these settings. Get counselling if you feel its necessary; not everyone who experiences a few memory lapses needs it. Your neurologist may recommend testing to determine your specific needs, or put you in touch with experts in the field who specialize in cognition, such as a neuro-psychologist, speech/ language pathologist, or occupational therapist.