DR. ROBERT K. SHIN: MS patients
often complain
of cognitive issues.
They might describe this
as feeling foggy or having
difficulty with concentration
or memory.
Sometimes, it
is due to multiple sclerosis
affecting the brain.
More commonly, it may be
a symptom of something else
going on, such as-- it could be
related to fatigue.
Or it could be related
to anxiety and depression.
Trying to figure out which
factor is causing the foggy
thinking is very important,
because it might be
treatable with counseling
or medication.
There are often strategies
we can use to try to help them.
That might involve things
like keeping a list,
or having a routine so that you
do the same things
in the same order of day to day.
Making sure that we focus on one
thing at a time--
our performance is better if we
simply do one thing at a time
to completion.
Some patients report that they
like doing mental exercises.
That could take the form
of crossword puzzles or Sudoku
to try to keep their mind
active and engaged.
I would actually emphasize
social engagement.
That's very important.
Getting out there
and interacting with family
and friends or even strangers
is actually very important.
The more active you are,
the better I think you'll
do in the long run.
Lifestyle factors are actually
very important.
I always encourage my MS
patients to try to maintain
a positive attitude.
It's really about quality
of life.
