Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease. As MS progresses, approximately 50% of people will experience some form of cognitive challenges over time with attention span, processing of information, memory, verbal fluency or decision making. There are steps you can take today that may help slow cognitive decline.¹

It's important that you talk with your doctor about your brain health in addition to your overall health. This includes ensuring that you are on the right treatment plan, but also asking about lifestyle changes you may want to consider to help maintain brain health.¹ Dialogue should be ongoing and include continued monitoring to ensure that you are meeting your treatment goals.

Consider keeping an MS diary where you can track changes in cognitive functioning. This can be a valuable tool to share in discussions with your doctor, especially if you are experiencing memory loss or other cognitive challenges.

You can learn more about the different aspects of cognition, including definitions and how to recognize early signs by reading How Multiple Sclerosis Impacts Cognitive Functioning and the Signs You Should Look For. You can also click on any of the cognitive challenges for a definition and examples of that challenge.

See also Steps You Can Take Today that May Help With Brain Health to learn more about what you can do.

References:

1. Courtney SW. Cover Story: Cognitive Issues with Multiple Sclerosis: Research, Strategies and Support. Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. https://mymsaa.org/publications/motivator/winter-spring15/cover-story/. Published Spring 2015. Accessed March 2018.