I forgot my phone number the other day. I often forget my purse in stores, and I thought I was pregnant once because my stomach was getting bigger and I was also nauseated. Then, I went to the bathroom and quickly realized that I wasn't.
True
Story.
I also had an enormous amount of tests and found that not only is my working memory affected but my attention also, which often means that it's not that I can't remember, I just wasn't paying attention in the first place.
Knowing these details helps you plan coping mechanisms, they can also measure your per-MS ability since MS does not affect many parts of your cognition, this ives an opportunity to measure progression later too. So for example my per-MS intelligence was in the top 1% but my attention is less than 50% and therefore I have noticed a significant change. But as the neuro-psych pointed out "that makes your attention just a little below average so welcome to my world" lol.
Joking apart, for my job as a Senior Lecturer teaching Masters and PhD students it felt like a major problem, now I've retired it's less of an issue.
Good luck with it.
I agree! I will mention this to my Neuro, didn't know there was testing like this
HahAhahah. Thank u for the laugh PastorDan , that made me smile!
I carry my cellphone and put everything I need to remember in and set alarm to remind me. It really helps.
Was going to reply earlier but forgot.
I would recommend that you have Neuropsychology testing done, they can nail down which part or parts of the brain is causing the problem - that does mean that they have a cure for the problem area. however they might be able to assist you with a plan to reduce the deficit .
I will post a page or two of my report later this week,
Take care
JB
Love these Tips,
I have got to do something ! Again today I had a appt for a follow up at 11:15 a.m that of course I couldn't go to due to lack of any tests yet, well once AGAIN never thought about it this morning about calling to cancel it. Called the girl at 11:45, I felt terrible.
This is just out of control at this point :(
You can buy timers with ropes to go around your neck, so you always have it with you. This proved to be very helpful to my mother. Try sticking post-it notes on the timer, if need be.
I am very fortunate not to have noticed memory loss or other cognitive impairment thus far. If I have 'lost' function, it is so totally lost that I'm not even aware of it. I live alone so there's no one to remind me. I do get absent-minded and do a few weird things here and there, but I've been this way pretty much all my life, so I don't think it's an MS thing, but really just the human condition.
ess
I've have completed neurophysiology testing and retest this March. I have confirmed working memory problems, I cant recall a list of numbers you might give me either written or spoken, I can get lost in long conversations. Reading books take much longer and filling out forms i read them a few times first. I have problems with even simple math.
How have adjusted? I try not to leave the kitchen when cooking, if I turn the shower on, I stay in the bathroom and won't leave. I have to break down a list of numbers, I will read them two at time.
When I'm out and I don't understand someones conversation, I tell them I didn't hear them or ask if they could they repeat it & sometimes I just say I have a headache and didn't understand them.
WHen I order online, I have a second Credit Card with only a $500 limit, If I need to purchase something online for more that amount I let me wife order it, because last thing I need to do is order a million widgets due to my issues.
I use my calendar ... I use my calendar I use my calendar
You will need to find you own ways to deal with CI
This is from PROJECTS IN KNOWLEDGE
Cognitive impairment (CI) affects 43% to 70% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and contributes significantly to disability. MS patients with CI are less involved in social and leisure activities, have difficulty performing routine daily tasks, and are at increased risk for psychiatric illness compared with patients who have physical disability only.
CI is a major contributor to the high rate of unemployment among individuals with MS, and increases the risk of poor psychosocial, physical, and overall health-related quality of life (QOL).Cognitive domains most commonly affected in MS
take care
JB
Alex