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What Are Some Of The Cognitive Effects That You Experience With MS?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Union Springs, AL

Lately, I have had more and more trouble cognitively than anything else. During a conversation, I’ve had to stop and ask,”What were we talking about?”. And I get even more frustrated when I’m talking and suddenly, I can’t find the word I’m trying to say! It could be just a simple word that I’m unable to recall. Anyone else have crazy issues like this?

June 18, 2018
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A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member I was referred to a neurological psychologist once I mentioned to my neurologist that I was thinking of filing disability. Results weren't as bad as I had imagined, albeit I rated slow on processing speed and concentration. I've learned to adapt my memory through association. Names have never been easy for me, couldn't for the life of me remember our neighbor's name, but as I dislike her as much as Sandy squirrel, that is how I remember her name. lol I relate to a lot of the above, but if I am thinking about a pencil, I will fill in the pencil instead of home. I will repeat what another person says, like if someone says "thank you," I will say, "thank you," instead of "you're welcome".

June 19, 2018
A MyMSTeam Member

Oh my! yes I can relate for sure! Thankfully I have a crazy sense of humor so when I lose my train of thought (which is constantly for most of us!) I just say "Squirrel" and my friends know to jump in and help me finish what I am trying to say. If only I could remember what the Squirrel meant?? J/k! It is referring to the dog who is telling a story but then sees a squirrel and gets totally distracted. This is me being silly but laughter is much better than feeling sorry for myself and I really like the expression about taking your lemons and making lemonade. Plus if you throw a splash of vodka in there, it ain't so bad. This disease sucks but when I thought I had a brain tumor and it was MS instead.....I was so grateful for the lemonade. 😍

June 19, 2018
A MyMSTeam Member

Totally know the feeling. I went from knowing way too much back story for everyone to not remembering the names of people I interact with a lot or losing my point while it's my turn to talk. Totally bad feeling when you can't find a word so you try to access your mental thesaurus while talking. I've tried a couple things to help with this problem but none that I would share because none has really worked

June 19, 2018
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes! And definitely when i worry about it, it gets worse. I did a full neuro psych eval and that was really helpful! I learned that I'm doing better than I thought - and that I need to be more kind and patient with myself when it happens. After that, I stopped worrying about it as much and I've definitely noticed an improvement. Good luck with it - you're not alone! XX

June 28, 2018
A MyMSTeam Member

I have trouble remembering yesterday, but then something from years ago will Pop into my mind Crazy, when I first got MS, I was doing things I would never do, my mind was not my mind!

June 23, 2018

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