In a 2018 survey of more than 850 MyMSTeam members, we asked about what it is like living with MS, particularly the impact that cognitive MS symptoms can have on daily life.

Cognitive symptoms are MS symptoms that affect the various functions of the brain. Not everyone with MS experiences cognitive symptoms, and those who do may have differing cognitive symptoms. Examples of cognitive symptoms include trouble understanding information, the inability to remember things, or difficulty concentrating or paying attention. People also refer to these symptoms “brain fog.” Read more about Common Cognitive Symptoms in MS.

Among MyMSTeam members who experience cognitive symptoms of MS, 84 percent say that these symptoms have a big impact on their ability to work, have a career, or attend school or college. In addition, over two-thirds say cognitive symptoms have a big impact on their social life and their relationships with family, friends, and partners.

Here are some examples of how members talk about cognitive symptoms and the effect they have on their day-to-day lives:

Read more about results from the MyMSTeam member survey on MS cognitive symptoms:

• Life With MS Cognitive Symptoms
• When MS Cognitive Symptoms Start

If you have cognitive symptoms of MS, which ones do you experience most often? How do they affect you, and what do you do about it? Share your experiences below in comments.