You Can...Remember
SOURCE: www.NationalMSSociety
Cognitive dysfunction affects about 50-65% of people with MS. The
problems can have an impact on attention, information processing, memory,
planning, insight, or problem solving.
Cognitive dysfunction is one of the major reasons for unemployment in
people with MS. However, there are ways you CAN improve your memory.
Loss of myelin insulating material around nerve fibers can cause
difficulty with transporting memories to storage areas of the brain or
retrieving them from the storage areas.
Cognitive rehabilitation includes a combination of restorative and
compensatory activities.
Restorative techniques to rebuild functions include:
Learning and memory exercises:
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Combine modes of learning: You will be more likely
to remember something if you “See it, Say it, Hear it, Write it, Do it.”
It’s okay to give yourself extra time.
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2.
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Repeat & Verify: Repeating what you hear and
verifying that it is correct helps with attention and memory.
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3.
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Spaced Rehearsal: Repeating and practicing at
varied intervals of time will improve storage of information.
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4.
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Build Associations: Make a habit of creating memory
aids. For example, to remember the name of someone you just met, make an
association with a friend or family member of the same name, or a place,
color, or event that sounds like the new name.
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Compensatory techniques—to make up for functions that are
weakened—include:
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Organize & Simplify: Use a Day Planner book, a “To
Do” list, a daily log and a calendar (but just ONE, not one in every
room!)
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2.
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Strategic reminders: Checklists, alarm watch,
kitchen timer.
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3.
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Eliminate distractions: Turn off the TV, radio,
or stereo when speaking with someone in person or on the phone.
Background visual and auditory distractions can make learning or
remembering more difficult.
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Electronic aids: Electronic organizers, PDA’s,
computer programs with reminders.
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5.
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Take a break. If you are having difficulty
concentrating, try taking a short break to refresh.
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6.
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Remove yourself from distractions: If you can’t
eliminate the distraction (for example, people talking at a party) then
ask, “Can we talk in a quieter place?”
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7.
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Do one thing at a time. Avoid switching from one
topic or task to another. It is best to either finish or find an
appropriate stopping place before switching to something else.
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Cognitive problems CAN be improved. Talk to your health-care provider
to rule out medication side effects, sleeplessness, or depression.
Professional help may come from occupational therapists (OTs),
speech/language pathologists (SLPs) or neuropsychologists, who have
training in the cognitive problems associated with MS.
Many times it requires a combination of assessment and guidance from
health-care professionals and following specific strategies every day, but
you CAN remember!
Written by: Suzan Black with comments from Brian Hutchinson, PT,
MSCS.
Contributing editors: Brian Hutchinson, PT, President, The Heuga
Center; InsideMS Magazine.
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