Multiple Sclerosis and Memory Loss: What's The Link?

 

Memory loss is one of the most common mental changes experienced by patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It has been observed that about half of all MS patients develop cognitive impairments such as memory loss over time — with about 5% to 10% of patients developing severe problems. Even though its symptoms may be mild, it can be frustrating for patients to forget things regularly. With timely diagnosis, tailored lifestyle adjustments, and the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment in Bangalore, memory loss in MS can be curtailed and managed. 

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

MS is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune demyelinating disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues — in this case, the myelin or protective covering around nerve fibers. This leaves scarred tissues or lesions in multiple areas, disrupting electrical impulses throughout the body. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow down or even stop, causing neurological problems.

How Multiple Sclerosis may lead to memory loss

When the myelin sheaths around the nerve fibers are damaged, it leads to the development of lesions. These lesions impair the movement of neural signals, which leads to cognitive and physical functions getting disrupted. When these lesions develop in the brain, they can lead to memory loss as well as impaired concentration or a reduced ability to process new information. 

Indirectly, MS may contribute to memory loss through other symptoms. For instance, a large fraction of patients may experience trouble sleeping, which leads to fatigue and reduced cognitive ability, including memory loss. It also increases the risk of anxiety and depression, which have been linked to a greater incidence of memory loss in patients.

Signs of memory loss

Typically, memory loss in MS patients affects short-term memory rather than long-term memory. The signs may be subtle, and often a family member or caregiver may spot it even before the patient does. Symptoms of memory loss may include forgetting where everyday items are kept, forgetting the right words for everyday objects, having trouble remembering recent conversations, and so on. For many patients, the symptoms fluctuate over time and may hence be attributed to things like stress or overwork rather than actual memory loss. 

How to address memory loss

If an MS patient suspects that they are experiencing memory loss, they should get tested immediately. Typically, doctors will recommend imaging tests to check for lesions as well as comprehensive tests to gauge the degree of their memory loss. 

While memory loss may seem frustrating or even frightening, it is important to remember that the patient still possesses the same cognitive skills. They just take a little extra time to express, and the right lifestyle changes can ensure that the patient enjoys the same quality of life as before. In addition to availing of the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment in Bangalore, simple techniques such as the following can help with keeping track of daily tasks and important facts such as names or dates:

• Using a calendar to mark out salient parts of a routine or upcoming events to remember

• Listing out things that need to be done and marking them off

• Using GPS while driving or traveling to avoid getting lost

• Using a smartphone to record conversations or to make notes of important things

• Putting reminders around the house on whiteboards or sticky notes

• Working on only one task at a time to avoid getting mixed up

• Breathing and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress

• Keeping the brain active through crossword puzzles, memory exercises, and other intellectual challenges

• Engaging in physical exercise to slow down the brain’s rate of cognitive decline

• Seeking help from an occupational therapist if necessary

MS can potentially affect your memory in direct and indirect ways. If you’ve noticed changes in your memory, make an appointment today at the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment in Bangalore. This will help you to identify the causes of your memory loss and develop strategies to successfully manage it.