Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease in which the body’s immune system eats away at myelin, which is the protective covering over the nerves, states MayoClinic.com. Myelin speeds up nerve signal transmission, and protects the signal as it passes through the nerves. Myelin along different nerves in different parts of the body can be affected, which can cause different symptoms. MS that affects the brain can lead to particular cognitive problems that a patient should be aware of.
Memory
According to the National MS Society, 50 percent of people with MS will develop problems with cognition; however, only 5 to 10 percent of patients experience daily cognitive deficits. Among cognitive functions affected by MS is memory. MS patients may have difficulty acquiring, retaining and retrieving new information. Thus, both short-term and long-term memory can be affected. This occurs because MS can affect the myelin in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that is mainly responsible for memory. This change can occur at any time but is more common as the disease progresses. A patient can write down or record important information to aid in memory loss.
Attention
MS patients may experience a lack of attention and concentration, states the National MS Society. Specifically, patients may have difficulty with divided attention, or in paying attention to one thing at a time. This occurs because the frontal cortex, or the front of the brain, is mainly responsible for attention. Over time, MS may affect the myelin in the nerves of this part of the brain. This sign may be subtle and is likely to be noticed by a family member or colleague. Individuals who suspect they are having difficulty with attention should see a doctor to have this cognitive symptom assessed.
Verbal Fluency
The National MS Society states that a patient may have problems with verbal fluency. Verbal fluency is the ability to find the correct words to express thoughts. Thus, an MS patient may not be able to articulate a complete thought. Difficulty with verbal fluency occurs because multiple sclerosis can affect the parietal lobe located on both sides of the brain. This can be frustrating for both a patient and the patient’s family. Thus, patients should make an appointment with their doctors to have the verbal centers of the brain assessed for abnormalities.
