Cognitive Impairment: Coping Strategies
Discovering that you have some degree of cognitive impairment can be a shock. For many of us, it affects our self-concept and feelings of self-worth. It is, however, just another aspect of the MonSter and, like getting a cane to help with walking, there are ways to compensate for some of the cognitive impairments most common with MS.
The first point is -- try not to lose your sense of humor! Not being able to remember what that thing-a-majig is called is not the end of the world. And laughter is healthy and healing. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself. If you laugh, others will find the cognitive changes less alarming and, therefore, feel more comfortable around you. And that's a good thing.
Make lists. Write down appointments, grocery lists, 'to-do' lists, even things like the names of people in your support group (or class or quilting group or ... ) or whatever else will give the needed 'boost' to your memory.
Use your brain as much as possible so that it stays active and flexible. Do crossword puzzles or other types of word puzzles (if you enjoy them). Get in the habit of carrying a 'memory book' (small notebook) and pen or pencil with you at all times. That way you always have the ability to make a note of something you need or want to remember.
Ask a trusted family or friend to help you by listening to your thoughts about solving a problem and to give you feedback on whether your thinking is reasonable and/or make suggestions on other ways you might think about the problem.
Many neuropsychologists also do training for people with cognitive problems. This is usually covered by insurance or Medicare. Don't be shy about asking for a referral. But before you do ... make sure you are ready and willing to work at it. The psychologist may well give you 'homework' assignments and doing them is a major part of helping yourself.
Above all... don't give up.
Related Topics: Depression and MS, Occupational Therapy
Technorati Tags: Cognitive Impairment, Thinking Problems, Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Occupational Therapy
37 Comments:
There are several other coping strategies, which help, even if you aren’t suffering from cognitive problems. I figure the less there is in your life to remember, the easier it is to remember the important things.
When I first got MS and even before, I did many of these things to help keep my life in some semblance of order. Now with MS they help even more.
1. Have a place for easily misplaced things and put them in it. I put my keys, cane, and glasses in the same place. If they are there I find them, if not, I spend lots of time when I’m on my way out the door trying to find them.
2. Keep extras of those same important things in the same place. My older pair of glasses, an extra house key and my extra cane (before I misplaced it) are all in those same places.
3. Keep a running grocery list. I have one posted on the fridge. As soon as I notice something is running out, I add it to the list. I wish the rest of my household would do the same thing, it would make shopping so much easier.
4. Keep a “book of all knowledge” I learned this one when I had a busy career. I kept a running log of everything I did and everyone I talked to. Action items go noted with an arrow. Things which need to be referred to later get flagged with a post it flag. If it’s in the book, the book helps when memory fails.
Hope these help folks.
Janet Perry
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com - blog
http://www.napaneedlepoint.com
jnapaneedlepoint@gmail.com
After having MS for over 30 years, my cognitive impairments got worse and worse. My neurologist put me on Aricept and Namenda and I immediately improved. Talk with your neurologist to see if this is an option for you.
You talk about sense of humor. When I have a MS brain fade moment, or do something totally not the way it should be done, my niece says jokingly "blame it on the spots". This always makes me feel better and keeps things in perspective for our whole family.
I am in my 40's and was diagionsed two years ago. I have probably had it since my 20's. I've have always written myself notes and made lists. (Now that my friends are getting older, they are forgetting things...I just smile and tell them to make lists)They use to chuckle at my list making.
Thanks for the advice and support! It is so strange seeing that others are having the same issues and same solutions. I had just bought a pack of little note pads, they are helping. I have had lists for yrs and was considering keeping a running "book of knowledge" I have tried a couple of times, but get frustrated doing it daily. It is hard to accept, but all these things make life more comfortable.
I am 50 years old and was diag-nosed with MS 20 years ago. I had memory problems as early as elementary school. My neurologist recently suggested Aricept, but I hesitate taking a new (not to mention expensive) medication. I was happy to read that someone with MS was helped by Aricept. I think I WILL go ahead and try it. Thank you!
I found out I had MS in Oct. 2005 and I had symptoms long before that I ignored or passed off as being overwhelmed with taking care of 2 kids.
I now have learned to carry a small notebook in my purse to write EVERYTHING down.
My husband had open heart surgery in May and with my cognitive issues it was important to have things written down.
I also use a small tape recorder to make records of things.
My daughter helps out alot by writing things on a calendar hanging on the fridge..her volleyball schedule is written on it in bright red ink, that way I know what days her games are.
We also use post it notes so much I shoudl buy stock in the company!!!
They are a complete life saver!!
Thanks for this, Peg! Let me ask you- you mention doing puzzles to keep your brain active. What other kinds of puzzles would count for that? Jigsaw puzzles or how about needlepoint and such? Just curious. It'd sure be neat to find out some of my hobbies are actually useful. :)
-Jenna
It's a great idea to have a baseline cognitive evaluation completed before any issues come up in the future. Then you have a reference to what has changed in your mental capabilities.
Robert Groth
http://www.BeatMultipleSclerosis.com
I have been diagnosed with MS 3 months ago and that really shocked me because I'm only 14 years old. I got in a really bad depression of not eating, and being isolated from others but this is just part of life and it's nobody's fault.
Thanks for the advice, I have stopped talking unless necessary for cognitive problems. Timing seems to be off. Also, has anybody had the feeling of not wanting to be touched or people standing too close?
My Dad had MS, diagnosed when he was in his early 20's. He passed away 2 years ago at 67 from other issues. I have to agree with everyone here-keep your sense of humor!! :)
He also had his notes and kept things where he always knew they would be just in case. He was too far along for taking some of the medication now available, and his other health issues would have been affected by it.
Stay strong, rely on family and friends as it helps so much...
i,m 35 y.o and chosen to take classes at community college to keep my brain on highly exersizing level for my MS problems...i love it ,but sometimes it gives me overload...
I haven't been diagnosed but think I have this...I drag my feet...I see steam where there is none...I have frequent urination...IBS...the tops of my hands and inner leg muscles contract on their own...I get stabbing pain in my back and right side...my right shoulder has hurt for 2 years...if I get cold I have to cook myself in a hot bath and can barely tell how hot it is...
Wow, just when I thought I was going crazy! I feel like my Grandmother sometimes and I am only 38 years old. I find it so strange how MS efects our memory. I fought my cognitive issues for the longest time, thinking it was all in my head, DUH!!!!!! LOL!! I have come to recognize my short comings and yes I use hunor as a brush off to the people that do not know what my situation is. For those I keep close, they are quick to jump in and rescue me, which gives us a big laugh in the end. Keep up the good fight my fellow travelers.
I have learned that leaving post notes around the house helps me remember the little things...like special dates or days.
I think making lists is helpfull but I have trouble finding them, ha ha. It is difficult for me as I was a homicide detective with a near photographic memory. I could do hours of inteview and interrogation and write it down later verbatem. Now I cant recall a name 2 minutes after I first hear it. Your articles and comments are helpfull.
I am new to this board, this is the first time I posted, I don't remember how I got here, but I will try again. I am US ARMY retired. I had MS since 1986, I can't walk, or even stand up. I fell many times, broke ribs 2 times, many, many bruses. I live in a wheelchair. My wife left me. I take 25 pills a day. I am on Copaxone. I have been paralyzed many times. I go to church every Sunday, and pray every night that I won't wake up, it doesent work, I wake up every morning. I guess thats the way it is to be. Maybe I will talk again later. Good By, for now.
Tim.
I was diagnosed about three years ago. The neuro said: it's either brain cancer or M.S.. and it doesn't look like M.S. When I learned about gamma knife surgery and gliomas I was thankful for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Now I am on Copaxone and I use their daily planner!
It aches me to read Tim's comment.
I worry that day will come. I am aware of the huge number of Veterans suffering with this. I was a caregiver for an M.S. patient for eight years - over 20 years ago - before all these disease modifying drugs emerged, when MRI was not common place.
He moved only his head and his eyes. He could talk but could not swallow. He was an anthiest, But he had a sense of humor. He said if there was a god he wouldn't have given me this wonderful disease. He was also a civil rights lawyer.
For a man of no faith he had remarkable resillance and patience.
I suppose there is a part of him that I admire every day. I still miss him. We both liked muisic.
Fills the bottom out. Love- the unconditional friendship, laughter, and music are my big three.
Hi Im charlene, I was diagnosed with RSD Relex Sympathetic Dystropy about 6 months ago or less, but Im also having the same symtoms as MS, my nerologist said I do not have MS yet. Has anyone heard of someone getting RSD then end up having what is MS? Because for some reason I think I do. I have know lesions on my brain yet, but to that matter do you have to have lesions on your brain to have or find out that you do have MS? Thank you and someone please hep me with my q's and concern. If anyone knows then they know how hard RSD is as well...very overwhelming also. Please help thank you Charlene.
Re: people standing too close?
Since I developed optic neuritis last year it does seem like everyone is invading my personal space, or are ataring at me. Don't know if this is due to sight problems, or paranoia.
I also am an RN ( retired ) and have been living with progressive MS since I was 20, I am now 54. Laughter, appreciating what you can do and not dwelling on what you can no longer do is key to getting through each day! Doesn't mean you won't have "dark days" but they will pass, trust me! Love, laugh and LIVE!!!
Vicki
I also am an RN ( retired ) and have been living with progressive MS since I was 20, I am now 54. Laughter, appreciating what you can do and not dwelling on what you can no longer do is key to getting through each day! Doesn't mean you won't have "dark days" but they will pass, trust me! Love, laugh and LIVE!!!
Vicki
I wish I could personally answer everyone's messages but I'll try to put as much as I can in this msg. I was officially diagnosed with MS August 2007. I thought I had it for a long time but was afraid to find out. That was dumb of me and I've since discovered I had MS since I was 14 years old. So I've had MS for 35 years now but unless I tell you, you probably wouldn't know it.
For cognitive problems: I've been a note taker since childhood so buying a 8 1/2 x 11 notebook is essential. I keep any and all my information in it. From daily "To Do Lists" to phone calls and other pertinent information. I date each daily "To Do" where I can refer back to it as needed. My current notebook has entries as far back as 2006. I just looked at it today for data on previous entries.
I take CoQ10 100mg and Fish Oil 1400mg. Don't buy the cheap kind because it will cheat you to.
For my Vertigo problems? Well dairy products produce fullness in my ears. I also have allergies which cause fluid in my ears. With a doctor who was willing to help me, I have ear tubes put in my ears which helps dizziness tremendously. They don't last forever so I've had several tubes since 1998. Yes, it can be expensive to do but worth it. It may not work for everyone but it did for me.
On MS symptoms, I have them all. numbness, cognitive problems, G.I. problems, urinary, swallowing problems, depression, fatigue, spasticity, vertigo. Gosh, did I leave any out? First of all find out all that you can on MS because knowledge will help you maintain control. That's important. If I know what I should do with my MS symptoms, I don't feel as stressed, which in turn, causes my additional numbness, vertigo and other problems.
I could say more but I'm not a licensed doctor. I had a regular MS doctor but he wasn't knowledgeable about MS, so I switched doctors. What a relief.
Hope this helps. I'm still learning and trying to help myself with this. Talking to others is a huge help too.
Take care,
Patty
That is so funny that you are talking about this. It makes sense. My husband has had ms for 15 yrs but lately he has been forgetting alot, I was getting a little worried because he would swear that I didnt tell him things and I know that I did. This makes much more sense now. Thanks for the topic.
All these are wonderful insights. I purchased responselink medical alerts for my sister that has MS.It has taken a load off of my mind just knowing she has 24 hour security to fall back on when needed. All she has to do is push a button on the pendant and they respond with in seconds! You can even have preset calls for medication and meal reminders. Now I don’t worry nearly as bad as I once did. This has worked out wonderfully for my sisters family.
My hubby has MS & this all sounds so familar! The problem I'm having now is that my hubby is wanting to move all the time. In the last 5 yrs we have moved 4x and he's ready to move again and only lived here since Oct '07 and we spent 2 months in Az this winter. Tell me this will pass or lessen also!! Please!! Tagg
I am 44 and have been diagnosed since I was 37. I take provigil which helps with my fatigue and an unexpected benefit for me was improved memory. One side effect is a slight headache at times, so I only take it when my energy levels need to be higher or I am entering a high stress month where I need to be up on my game (like April and May end of school crunch time). I am married to a physician, which is a blessing. I am currently undergoing chemo for my MS. It is cytoxin, which is not FDA approved for MS. There is a chemo which is, though. I have seen not only a decrease in attacks, but my brain appears to be actually repairing itself, as my last MRI could not detect the previous two lesions.
The symptoms from previous attacks do not go away, however, so I continue to be numb from the waist down and drive with hand controls. However, it gives me hope that I can buy more time between attacks and live a fuller life. I have tried copaxone, avonex, and rebif and experienced horrible side effects especially on those which were interferon drugs. I am thankful to have a wonderful doctor in Boston that works with me through the Brigham and Women's hospital there in the MS facility.
However, I still think a positive mental attitude is 90% of it. I go to bed watching I Love Lucy shows or other sitcoms, instead of the news. The scriptures say it best in Proverbs: "Laughter is as good medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones."
Sue in Oklahoma
I am 46, I am also a nurse. I just found this site. It is wonderful. I am trying to become more computer savy so I can hopefully join in on chats, etc. Im have been DX. since 2000. I was very lucky, I was awarded total disability after just a few weeks. I also have a form of Muscular Dystrophy called CMT. I feel like I've been hit by a huge truck on some days. But, I do rely on my faith,I love to laugh, especially with cognitive issues, you have to laugh. I am glad to have found this site!
Hi, this is not concerning MS. My sister had fainted today twice and she is in india at the moment away from us. She went to the hospital there and the doctors said she has seizure like symptoms. She had fainted here before 3-4 times and we all thought it was because she doesn't eat enough and never bothered taking her to the doctor. I know this is not related to ms but i was just wondering if you knew anything about it. Is it due to her having a low sugar level or not getting enough oxygen to her brain because she does not eat a lot. is this dangerous? what can we do to help her? anything you know about this would be helpful.Thank You
I was was told by my infectious disease doctor that I had MS, although I had tested positive for Lyme disease. He ignored those test results and scheduled me for an MRI, saying I probably had brain lesions. I was scared to death. I discovered that due to under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis of Lyme disease, patients who have been diagnosed with MS may actually have a bacterial infection. If you aren't familiar with Lyme disease symptoms , you may not be aware that one of them is often severe cognitive impairment. MS is frequently misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis. Please get educated about Lyme disease.
try "braingle" on line, it's free and fun
To Ms Shepard. You are a nurse so maybe you can answer thhis qusetion. My docotrs don't or won't answer it. I have HIV as well as MS, both for 19 years, . My ex-partner had both and infected me with it. Now is there a connection between the two? All I know is when one is dornmant the other is quiet. Right now the MS is hiotting hard. I am going blind in one eye and going to be in a wheelchair shortly. Can you answer the question for me.
Thank you
Hi Everyone,
This is my first time on here. My half brother and I have different Moms but they both have multiple sclerosis. Just curious about the cognitive issues, as my mom is physically able to walk and drive, but seems to be "stuck in time" as far as memories, and the jokes and refernces she makes. Any ideas/thoughts on this? My brother notices lots of congnitive issues with his mom, but she is in a wheelchair... and has been diagnosed much longer than my mom.
Thanks!
My family has just gotten used to me .Forgetting things, repeating,things.
My G'kids just say "Nona,(thats what they call me )remember I told you?" I smile & say "Sure!".
But I too write everything down, have a pad by my bed & chair. And as I am a widow & live w/ my daughter & family I have them as backup.
I have had MS since I was 20, I am now 55! Laughter IS the best medicine! My little family has lived through a child with Down's needing open heart surgery and a pacemaker. A second child with a terrible palette problem requiring extensive surgery. My husband having a traumatic brain injury ( full recovery!! ), going to college and getting my degree for RN and then using my ICU/ER knowledge to save our daughters' life in the hospital after back surgery. The list goes on...and on :-) But, how we laugh in this house, cry, yell, but laugh tons! God gave us all a sense of humor but also catches us when it's too much. Live, laugh, love my friends, tomorrow will offer wonderous possibilites!! SnowLady
Ah-ha! I see I've been here before, lol. So, I am Vicki or SnowLady, whichever you prefer!!
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