MS and Cognitive Function
Cognitive function refers to how a person thinks, solves problems, how their memory works, their ability to concentrate.
Although the physical effects of MS are widely recognized by the general public, issues related to cognitive function are less so. However, approximately 50% of people with MS will develop some degree of cognitive dysfunction during the course of their disease. There is little or no relationship between the level of physical disability and degree of cognitive impairment.
Cognitive impairment may even be the first symptom to appear. And, cognitive impairment is a significant source of disability. Some sources even report it as the most common reason for people with MS becoming officially 'disabled' to the point that they receive disability benefits.
Not all people with MS develop problems with cognitive functioning and those who do may have a variety of different problems. Word-finding difficulty is one of the most common problems reported. Other common difficulties include issues with memory (very common) as well as problems with planning, organizing, prioritizing, problem-solving, concentrating, or abstract reasoning.
The initial signs of cognitive dysfunction may be as slight as having problems finding the right word in conversation or remembering why you went to the store. Since that sort of thing happens to nearly everyone (with or without MS), not only do the people with MS tend to discount its significance, but so do their families and friends.
The affect of MS on cognitive function is complex. A primary issue is certainly the damage to the myelin and brain cells that is a part of the disease. Since cognitive function is centered in the brain, it makes sense that any sort of damage to the brain tissue could result in cognitive problems. Also, depression, fatigue and stress may all compromise cognitive functioning. Since all of those are common among people with MS, cognitive functioning gets a sort of 'double-whammy'.
I will write more about this issue later, focusing on cognitive testing.
Related Topics: Drug May Slow Down Multiple Sclerosis, Epstein-Barr Virus May Trigger MS
Technorati Tags: multiple sclerosis, cognitive function, MS
Although the physical effects of MS are widely recognized by the general public, issues related to cognitive function are less so. However, approximately 50% of people with MS will develop some degree of cognitive dysfunction during the course of their disease. There is little or no relationship between the level of physical disability and degree of cognitive impairment.
Cognitive impairment may even be the first symptom to appear. And, cognitive impairment is a significant source of disability. Some sources even report it as the most common reason for people with MS becoming officially 'disabled' to the point that they receive disability benefits.
Not all people with MS develop problems with cognitive functioning and those who do may have a variety of different problems. Word-finding difficulty is one of the most common problems reported. Other common difficulties include issues with memory (very common) as well as problems with planning, organizing, prioritizing, problem-solving, concentrating, or abstract reasoning.
The initial signs of cognitive dysfunction may be as slight as having problems finding the right word in conversation or remembering why you went to the store. Since that sort of thing happens to nearly everyone (with or without MS), not only do the people with MS tend to discount its significance, but so do their families and friends.
The affect of MS on cognitive function is complex. A primary issue is certainly the damage to the myelin and brain cells that is a part of the disease. Since cognitive function is centered in the brain, it makes sense that any sort of damage to the brain tissue could result in cognitive problems. Also, depression, fatigue and stress may all compromise cognitive functioning. Since all of those are common among people with MS, cognitive functioning gets a sort of 'double-whammy'.
I will write more about this issue later, focusing on cognitive testing.
Related Topics: Drug May Slow Down Multiple Sclerosis, Epstein-Barr Virus May Trigger MS
Technorati Tags: multiple sclerosis, cognitive function, MS
8 Comments:
Peg, I applied for Disability, but was turned down due to work history. They say I wasn't employed long enough.But due to my last several jobs,I had to quit due to my health problems.Any ideas that may help me.
Everyone I know who files for disability (I assume Social Security) has been denied more than once. You must keep filing and you will eventually have to go before an advocate judge for a decision. You must have all your ducks in a row which means you have to have as many doctors behind you and that will help you tremendously. Good luck and always feel positive no matter what.
My cognitive function was so bad when I applied for disability, I was approved in less than 6 weeks. Thanks M.S.
Lisa
Within the year prior to my confirmed diagnosis for ms, I'd began to experience some rather mysterious symptoms,here are just a few of those experienced: physical & mental. At home organizational skills suffered & extreme fatigue, At work- slowed & difficult comprehension, short term memory recall issues, attention deficit & of course major fatigue. It became such a problem that I was disciplined up to the point but not dismissed from my position with my employer. What bearing could this have on my disability benefits claim when I've finally made decision to transition to that stage in life/career? Although at time it was a tremendous blow to self-esteem & pride of course. However, it may prove beneficial( re: disab.claim )in event I must submit to ms or my employer tries to force me out, however they might choose to enact such action. I've been employed w/ this company for more that 12 years. Welcome thoughts/comments on this matter.
Things to consider -
tell your HR dept about your MS;
you should be offered another job that you can handle including rest breaks; it may be lower level but is better than being fired
continuing to work helps you keep your brainpower and emotional well-being.
if you decide it's time for disability FIND AN ATTORNEY WHO SPECIALIZES IN SOC.SEC. CLAIMS. he'll help and will be paid by SS settlement.
My question is.. The judge has ordered a cognitive test for me. What can he compare it to? My physical evaluations show a decline. Also my MRIs show more lesions after 3 years. But I experience "brain fog" sometimes.I could have a great brain day on testing.
confused sometimes
As I understand it, if you are disabled, then your employer must do whatever is "reasonable" to accomodate you so that you may continue to work. Look up the ADA (Americans Disability Act) on the internet. They have links to "mediation" sites where you can get help with your employer.
Good luck!!
I have been having worsening symptoms of MS since a little before 2001. It took me a while to find a really good neurologist who was not only very familiar with working with patients with MS, but who was also compasionate. This is an extremely important factor. Then, in the spring of 2006 I developed a lot of problems with double vision. I was finally diagnosed with "ophthalomegia". This is one of the illnesses that Social Security will supposedly automaticaly approves disability for benefits. Check out the Social Security Disability web site to get more info. Your doctor will likely be a strong advocate for you, but be sure to get a GOOD lawyer to help you through the process.
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