Managing cognitive issues with MS can involve a mix of medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies. Here's a breakdown of what may help:
Medications (talk to your neurologist first)
- Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) — Evidence strongly supports that being on a DMT can improve cognition by keeping disease activity low Show Full Answer
Managing cognitive issues with MS can involve a mix of medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies. Here's a breakdown of what may help:
Medications (talk to your neurologist first):
- Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) — Evidence strongly supports that being on a DMT can improve cognition by keeping disease activity low
- Stimulant medications (like Provigil, Nuvigil, Adderall, or Ritalin) — These can help with alertness and attention, which in turn supports memory and processing. These require a prescription and a conversation with your doctor
- Note: Medications commonly used for other memory conditions have been studied and shown *not* to work for MS-related cognitive symptoms Lifestyle approaches that can support brain health:
- Regular exercise — Shown to improve information processing speed in people with MS
- Quality sleep — Getting solid, restorative sleep is key for thinking and memory
- Limiting alcohol and recreational drugs — Both can impair cognition
- Yoga — Has been shown to help with MS-related fatigue, which can contribute to cognitive difficulties
- Cognitive rehabilitation therapy — Mental training with a neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist can help sharpen cognitive skills
As for supplements, there's currently no proven evidence that any specific supplement improves MS-related cognition — though research is ongoing.
It's always worth having an open conversation with your neurologist about what combination of approaches might work best for you.
July 22
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