How can you best manage cognition problems with MS?
Cognitive challenges affect about half of people with MS, but there are several effective strategies to help manage these difficulties.
Medical and Therapeutic Approaches:
- Start or continue disease-modifying therapy (DMT) - these medications have been shown to improve Show Full Answer
How can you best manage cognition problems with MS?
Cognitive challenges affect about half of people with MS, but there are several effective strategies to help manage these difficulties.
Medical and Therapeutic Approaches:
- Start or continue disease-modifying therapy (DMT) - these medications have been shown to improve cognition and quality of life
- Consider cognitive rehabilitation therapy - this mental training works like physical therapy for your thinking and comes in two types:
- Restorative: exercises to rebuild lost abilities through increasingly difficult memory tests and attention training
- Compensatory: strategies like using calendars and reminders to work around challenges
- Explore cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - can help improve attention and manage fatigue that affects cognitive function
- Get neuropsychological testing - identifies your specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses so therapy can be tailored to your needs
Daily Strategies:
- Exercise regularly - physical activity has been shown to directly improve cognitive performance
- Use mental pictures and visual aids to help with memory
- Write things down immediately, including people's names when you meet them
- Schedule challenging mental tasks for when you function best during the day
- Prioritize adequate sleep
- Create routines and use family calendars to track activities
On difficult days, give yourself grace and avoid high-stakes activities until the fog clears.
November 22, 2025
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