Last updated: 1 August 2020

Staying Smart

Staying Smart is for people who want to learn more about how MS can affect thinking. Not everyone with MS will experience cognitive difficulties. But for those who do, information can be hard to find.

"Cognition" is the general word that covers all aspects of thinking. It includes memory, concentration and planning.

Cognition problems in everyday life generally fall into one of six types of problem. You can work out which type of thinking is tricky for you, and get the right tips and advice by clicking on one of the everyday problems below. Each tile links to information that is helpful for that type of problem.

More about thinking and memory problems

Everyday problems

I forget where I have put things

If you have MS, you might find that your attention wanders. This page includes tips and tricks to help you find things. It also covers factors that might make your mental skills less efficient.

I can't say what's on the tip of my tongue

Most people with MS do not experience major language difficulties, but sometimes you may find you can’t find a word or phrase. This page includes tips and tricks to help you speak.

At the end of the day I haven't got the important stuff done

People with MS might experience difficulties with their supervisory skills. These include planning and organisation. This page includes tips that'll help you.

I forget to take my tablets

Memory problems are commonly reported by people with MS. A primary memory problem is difficulty in registering or remembering information. This page covers strategies that might help.

I can't seem to concentrate

Tasks involving complex attention can be difficult for some people with MS. This page includes tips and tricks to optimise your concentration.

I forget the route to places I haven't been to in a while

It can be alarming to find yourself getting lost on a route you thought you knew. This page looks at wayfinding tips and tricks that'll help you overcome this.

What else could be affecting my thinking and memory?

There are a number of outside factors that might make your mental skills less efficient:

  • Having an infection, or being otherwise unwell.
  • Some drugs given for MS symptoms, such as bladder issues or spasticity can affect your cognition.
  • Fatigue has been shown to affect mental skills in MS, particularly cognitive fatigue. You may find it helps to vary your mental tasks and take breaks.
  • Anxiety may affect your mental performance, especially if you are "on the spot" and feeling tense.
  • Depression in MS reduces performance on cognitive tasks that need a lot of concentration. Worries and intrusive thoughts can take up your mental capacity. If you think that you may be suffering from low mood or depression, seek medical advice.

Clinical Psychologist Eleanor Ansell explains more about external influences on your thinking and memory skills in the film below. Read the full cognitive problems interview.

Helping you find the information you need

If you have questions about any aspect of MS, contact our MS helpline. It is available from Monday to Friday (except UK bank holidays) from 10am to 4pm. Outside these hours you can leave us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Freephone 0800 032 38 39
Email ask@mstrust.org.uk
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