Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable and long lasting disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body.
How MS originates isn’t entirely known, but many experts believe the body launches an attack on the nerve-insulating myelin. This causes a delay or disruption of messages from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body, according to the
The damage that happens to myelin, a protective coating in the brain, results in various symptoms. These symptoms can include memory problems, fatigue, lack of concentration, decrease in processing speed, and mood changes.
Here’s an in-depth look at how MS affects the brain.
Cognitive dysfunction, also called impaired thinking, is a neurological problem that affects more than half of people with MS, according to a
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, cognition refers to high-level functions carried out by the brain, including:
- memory
- planning
- problem-solving
- processing information
- verbal fluency or finding words
- visual perception
- attention
In general, most people who experience cognitive dysfunction will have mild to moderate problems that may only involve one or two areas. Memory issues such as acquiring, retaining, and retrieving new information are the most frequently reported cognitive challenges.
Another type of cognitive dysfunction many people with MS experience is attention and concentration, specifically divided attention or multitasking.
The National MS Society stresses the importance of early recognition with cognitive changes but also recognizes how subtle these changes may be, especially at first.
Some common early signs may include having difficulty:
- finding the right words
- remembering what to do in your job or during daily routines
- keeping up with tasks or conversations
- making decisions