Hello All,
I had a relapse in Oct last year and my day to day symptoms are still fortunately manageable but I am increasingly concerned about my memory, processing information and following conversations. Some days are worse than others and I am learning to be patient with myself. I was talking to my MS nurse and she said before I could get further tests done, I would need to complete an assessment on this site which I can’t seem to find. I should have asked her to send me the link.
If anyone has used it, can they please send me the link ?
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Hi Manisha. I’ve not heard of the MS Society cognition assessment and like you I can’t see anything on the Society’s website.
I do use the cognitive assessment tool on Food for the Brain but that something I’ve been using by myself/ for myself
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Thank you Hank. I have just registered but will take the test tomorrow when I am more alert and less tired.
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Hi Manisha I had very similar concerns about my memory and processing information. I was really struggling with my job and had never had problems beforehand.
I was actually concerned that I may have had early onset dementia.
I was referred to a clinical psychologist and underwent a number of tests involving words , numbers , patterns , puzzles and maps.
Thankfully I didn’t have dementia but it did show that I struggled with certain tasks particularly if there were any distractions or I was fatigued.
They did provide me with a report and some coping mechanisms and said if I felt I had deteriorated I could get back in touch with them.
I can’t remember who referred me it was probably my MS nurse.
It might be worth getting in touch with your MS nurse.
Take care
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Apologies Manisha I can see you have already been in touch with your MS nurse.
I do think it would be beneficial for you to have an in person assessment rather than online , if you can get one.
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I don’t know where that is either and I would avoid it to like the pest if I did. I don’t think the news would be very good in my case and I can really do without bad news that I can’t do anything about anyway.
Only possible reason I could think of for getting cognitive testing would be to strengthen a case for a more effective disease modifying treatment. But that wouldn’t help me because I’m on one of the strong ones already. Quite honestly I think asking ‘has my cognition been affected?’ is like asking ‘am I drinking too much?’ – if you’re asking yourself the question, then you already know the answer. The difference with the drink is that you can do something about that!
Sorry I know I’m projecting my own stuff here, but I do think you should really ask yourself what you’re going to do with that information before you seek it out.
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I have requested an in person assessment but my MS Nurse said I would need to complete the online assessment first.
I am also finding if I am fatigued or have too much on, focussing and processing is definitely harder.
I also don’t want to overthink it but it’s so frustrating and worrying. Dementia is on my mind too but try to not go down that hole.
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I don’t think you are projecting your own stuff at all. My reason for asking questions is to hear everyone’s experiences and thoughts. God knows I hear my own thoughts way too much !
I hadn’t thought about what I will do with that information and that’s a good question. I am on Ocrevus so don’t think there is anything stronger.
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Hi there @ManishaD , have you been able to find out from your MS Nurse exactly which online assessment she/he is referring to and how to access it?
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Hi @Hank_Dogs not yet, I need to send her an email, just been quite busy. I will let this group know once I have the link.
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Hi Manisha, I know how you feel and I also went the route for a clinical health psychologist for a cognitive assessment. For me it was reassuring to know I wasn’t losing my mind, but it did flag that processing speed was slower especially when stressed or fatigued. The good news is that once the information was in, it could be recalled, but just takes a bit longer to properly go in now! The report can be helpful to share with employers for reasonable accommodations.
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Hello @airdrop-geckos.4d
I have been using an app called BeCare which has cognition tests and I have already established I have a below average memory recall.
Like you, I am also finding it’s worse when I am fatigued. My anxiety can get quite bad too which adds another layer of stress on my body.
I am a contractor so the onus is on me to manage my workload and make sure I am physically and mentally at my best.
Thanks for messaging
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Managing memory and processing challenges after a relapse can feel tough, and completing assessments from your MS nurse is a smart step. I’ve been exploring wellness support options like BetterMe’s employee perks program, which offers tools for mental health, fitness, and nutrition to boost overall well-being and cognitive focus, helping create healthier daily routines.
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Hello I spoke to my MS nurse and the assessment isn’t online. She is referring me for a psychologist for an assessment.
Apologies for misleading the group, case of information overload when I go to these appointments.
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Hi Manisha, sorry for the slow reply (nothing seems to move too quickly with me now
) it seems that a few of us on here find some cognitive stuff hardwork now) my short term memory and retaining new information is shot to bits. I am now no longer able to look at a problem and turn it over in my mind until I come up with a solution. I struggle to find words that I want to use. My sense of direction is pretty much non existent now. It’s all very frustrating at times.
My MS nurse did a cognitive assessment with me a few months ago. I had to remember a name and address that she told me at the start. I had to say what kind of environments certain animals would be found in. She went through some basic maths. I was asked to draw some shapes and, a clock with a particular time on.
My score wasn’t great but, I’m not a total Loony yet 
It can be very annoying that my thoughts don’t work as fast as they used to but, what choice do we have other than to keep going as best we can with what we’ve got now. Thankfully my family are very understanding - they know that I’m different now and, I appreciate that they can find some humour in some of the daft times.
I was told that my first test was to establish a baseline so, she’ll probably test me again at some point which, I don’t mind at all because my nurse is such a nice lady 
Try to keep smiling and moving forwards as best you can x
All the best mate 
Jon.