Many people with multiple sclerosis will experience cognitive difficulties. One of the most frustrating symptoms is MS and memory loss. Memory loss can occur during any stage of the disease. It is a common symptom. Multiple sclerosis and memory loss can get progressively worse over time, so it is important to keep track of the symptoms and how they affect you day by day. Some people find it beneficial to keep a daily cognitive diary while they are dealing with the chronic neurological disease. They can then share this with their doctor while they are undergoing treatment.
Memory loss can be frustrating because it can come on suddenly or it can hit at an important time. There is no way to tell what kind of information it will affect, whether it is someone’s name, an appointment time, or an address. It can affect both short term and long term memory, although it is more likely to affect short term memory. Up to half of the people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will have some type of cognitive problem at some point, including memory loss and forgetfulness. There are many different reasons that a person can suffer from these cognitive problems while dealing with multiple sclerosis.
Reasons MS and Memory Loss Occur
Memory loss can occur in multiple sclerosis more many different reasons. The biggest reason is because there are lesions that grow on the brain. These can cause cognitive problems due to signals in the nervous system being disrupted. There are other things that can make cognitive problems like memory loss and forgetfulness worse as well. Stress and depression can make memory loss more pronounced, so it can be important to keep mental health as well as physical health in check. There are many ways to reduce stress, so consider talking to your medical professional if you feel this is contributing to your memory loss or forgetfulness.
Physical things can also affect the memory loss that is related to multiple sclerosis. If someone is experiencing a lot of fatigue lately, they may be suffering from more cognitive difficulties. It is important for people with MS to get the right amount of sleep and stick to a sleep schedule. People with multiple sclerosis may also be more strongly affected by temperature, and heat can cause more memory lapses. People can help protect themselves by staying cool during the warmer seasons and keeping themselves well hydrated at all times.
