A condition caused by destruction of the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering of neurons, multiple sclerosis affects the brain. The Mayo Clinic's website notes that multiple sclerosis starts between ages 20 and 40, with women diagnosed with the disorder more often than men. Multiple sclerosis damages the nerves, disrupting the communication between the brain and the body. Patients have these symptoms during episodes of the disorder and have no symptoms when they have remissions.
Memory Loss
People rely on their memory capabilities to recall events that happened years ago and to remember things that happen now. The Merck Manual Home Edition notes that multiple sclerosis causes subtle or obvious cognitive impairments, which include memory loss. Multiple sclerosis patients can have problems with short-term memory and long-term memory. With short-term memory loss, patients have problems remembering recent events, and they easily forget things. This type of memory loss prevents patients from forming new memories. With long-term memory loss, patients have problems recalling information.
Judgment Problems
MedlinePlus notes that multiple sclerosis patients can suffer from poor judgment. This judgment problem impairs their ability to make decisions, which may result in patients making dangerous choices. Poor judgment can also affect patients' reasoning skills and ability to problem solve. As a result, patients can have difficulties figuring out how to deal with a situation.
Inattention
When multiple sclerosis patients have episodes of the disorder, they can suffer from a decreased attention span, according to MedlinePlus. For example, patients can have difficulty maintaining attention during a task. Patients with decreased attention spans become easily distracted, making it hard for them to finish assignments or keep a conversation on topic. Inattention also affects memory: If a person cannot focus on the information, it prevents the brain from fully taking it all in to form a memory.
Mood Changes
When multiple sclerosis affects the brain, it can result in changes to patients' moods. For example, those with multiple sclerosis are more likely to suffer from depression, with feelings of severe sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness. Depression can also cause changes in sleep and appetite. Other multiple sclerosis patients may have inappropriate elation or happiness. The Merck Manual Home Edition notes that multiple sclerosis patients may have problems controlling their emotions. For example, a patient may start laughing uncontrollably, even in inappropriate situations.
Other Brain Symptoms
Some effects of multiple sclerosis on the brain can result in problems with other areas of the body. For example, patients may have dizziness, which can affect their balance and movement. MedlinePlus reports that multiple sclerosis also can affect patients' hearing abilities.
