The Impact of Cognitive Changes in MS
The links between cognitive problems, mood and fatigue are reflected in a small study of 48 individuals with confirmed MS: investigators found that that slower processing was correlated with higher levels of depressed mood, fatigue, lower verbal fluency, impaired recall of words and digits, and of visual-spatial information.
Depending on the demands of your daily life, cognitive problems might be easy to work around using self-help measures or through reasonable accommodations on the job, or they may result in early retirement.
Cognitive changes that impair your ability to work or function in daily life can have a negative effect on your employment, your independence and your MS self-care. Detection is step one. If MS is starting to interfere with memory and concentration, at first there may be lack of recognition or denial on your part and that of others.
While cognitive problems are often correctly self-diagnosed, severe cognitive impairment has been identified in individuals who were unaware that any changes had taken place. Changes in capabilities such as abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and executive functions may be more likely to be noticed initially by family members or employers, rather than by the person affected.
If cognitive changes are interfering with your work or social life or causing you distress, you may benefit from having a neuropsychological assessment, which includes testing and a detailed interview, in order to:
- evaluate the severity and characteristics of cognitive impairment
- identify cognitive strengths and alleviating strategies
- evaluate ability to work, possibilities for re-education or driving ability
- identify people who are experiencing significant cognitive fatigue
Brain Games, anyone?
While there is no clear evidence that “brain games” are effective, the MS Technology Collaborative has created a new way for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) that may help them exercise their brain power. MyBrainGames, available free, are the first online games designed specifically for people with MS with the help of healthcare professionals specializing in MS and cognition, as well as members of the MS community. This activity may be challenging for patients with visual/spatial impairment.
The new resource provides a series of fun and interactive cognitive games for the MS community, and represents a first step toward assessing whether games can help counter the cognitive challenges of MS. For more information, visit the National MS Society.