sometimes i feel like have got dementia
June 14
Brain fog (sometimes called "cog fog") is one of the most common and frustrating MS symptoms — and you're definitely not alone in feeling like it's getting worse. About half of people with MS experience it, and it can affect memory, concentration, word recall, and the ability to process information.
A MyMSTeam member Show Full Answer
Brain fog (sometimes called "cog fog") is one of the most common and frustrating MS symptoms — and you're definitely not alone in feeling like it's getting worse. About half of people with MS experience it, and it can affect memory, concentration, word recall, and the ability to process information.
A MyMSTeam member described it perfectly: "I can zone out," while another shared how they once got completely lost driving a route they'd taken every day for 15 years. It can be really scary and disheartening. The good news is there are practical strategies that many people find helpful:
- Stay hydrated and cool — heat can make brain fog significantly worse
- Get light exercise — even just 15 minutes of cardio a day can make a difference
- Use alarms and calendars — set multiple reminders on your phone for tasks and appointments
- Make associations — link habits together, like taking medication with your morning glass of water
- Try learning something new — one MyMSTeam member found learning a new language actually improved their brain fog over time
- Practice deep, rhythmic breathing — it helps calm the brain during foggy moments If brain fog is getting noticeably worse, it's really worth bringing up with your neurologist. They can arrange cognitive testing and may refer to cognitive rehabilitation therapy, which has been shown to genuinely help improve cognitive function in MS.
It's not your fault, and there is support available. 💙
June 14
Join
Your Privacy Choices
