Cognitive Symptoms

Memory issues, and especially short-term memory problems (remembering recent events), are the most common cognitive changes with MS. This can involve trouble acquiring, retaining and retrieving new information.

Memory issues associated with MS:

• Trouble learning new things
• Less ability to remember information that has been learned and stored before

Cognitive changes in Multiple Sclerosis can cause concentration problems, particularly when it comes to dividing your attention between more than one thing.

Multiple Sclerosis can slow down your information processing speed. Processing means using your memory and verbal ability to digest and respond to information. You may feel like your brain is working more slowly.

When we solve problems we use many functions, like analyzing a problem, identifying the parts of the problem, seeing which parts need adjusting, planning a series of steps to get to the solution and putting the pieces together to act on the information. MS can make this harder by affecting your thought process.

Visual-spatial ability is the ability to recognize objects accurately and draw or assemble things. We use these abilities in many ways in everyday life, like driving, putting something down on a table, or packing a suitcase. MS can affect your ability to do these things smoothly.

Verbal skills help us find the right words without trying too hard. MS can cause speech issues. One of them is known as the “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon, where you feel like a word is close, but you can’t quite remember it. In addition to cognitive changes affecting your verbal fluency, MS can also affect the pace of your speaking or the movement of your tongue, lips, cheeks and mouth to form words.