Mental function impairment is very common in people with MS. Between 43% to 70% of people with MS are affected by problems with memory, attention and concentration, and information processing at both earlier and later stages of the disease.
Common Memory Symptoms
Recent memories, like a person's name or phone number, are most affected by MS. Another example of short-term memory is when you forget to mail a letter, or walk into a room and forget what you were looking for. You may also have difficulty making decisions, scheduling events, and adjusting to surprises.
Managing Memory
One way that everyone can manage memory is to write things down. You may even want to get a digital voice recorder.
Another way to improve your memory skills may be to "exercise" your memory. Learning simple, new tasks may help your brain develop new pathways. Some simple memory games:
- Video games
- Puzzles
- Card games
- Board games
Simple games like these may help you build attention, concentration, memory, and organization. You can also consider using your areas of strength to compensate for weaknesses. For example, if you are strong in organization, you can arrange your things so they are always in the same place—which can aid your memory.
Early MS Treatment
It's important to treat MS early. Studies have shown that treatment early in the course of MS can prevent mental function impairment like memory problems. Some MS therapies have been shown to improve mental function.
Getting Help
If you feel that your memory is failing you more often, it may be time to find help. The first step is a mental function evaluation. This test is performed by a neurologist or neuropsychologist, and may take several hours to complete.
Having this kind of testing can be helpful in managing your MS. You may feel a sense of relief in knowing that there is a sound reason behind any memory problems you may be having.
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