Hello I’m new to the forums but have had MS for over 20 years. I have been extremely lucky and have had very little symptoms mostly sensory and cognitive issues. My question is is it possible to only have cognitive issues with MS and no other symptoms? I’m worried as I am forgetting things really easily and finding it hard to concentrate and not liking loud noises etc. I am beginning to worry it could be something other than MS thanks
Donna - if it’s any reassurance, I have the same & been diagnosed with MS over 20 years - cognitive issues affect me everyday - forgetting the most simple things like names etc - sensory issues like pins & needles & funny prickly feelings plus the usual fatigue & pain, can’t handle loud noise either, even the TV being too loud - I would say it’s definitely MS as our brains are not working properly - hope this helps
Hi @donna31
I’m in the 20+ years of MS club too. Regarding cognitive issues, I find the speed of thought has definitely slowed, since I was initially dx in my teens.
For me it’s not really a case of forgetting things, but it just seems to take more effort to remember, I usually do even though sometimes it takes some time.
Regards,
JP
Hi Donna, I’m no medic but I guess it is possible that the damage caused by lesions can affect cognitive functioning in the main . Might depend on exactly where in the brain the lesions are .
I’ve no idea how old you are but in later age brain functioning does deteriorate. At 70 years old and MS for 18 years since diagnosis, I’m aware that my cognitive functioning isn’t as good these days. I tend to think that the best we can do is to follow the general advice on maintaining a healthy brain and mind - eat what is good for the brain, exercise- aerobic and strength, and keep our minds active (I keep thinking about learning a language but have yet to do anything about it. Learning to play an instrument, however badly, is supposed to be very good ).
P.S. loud noises, particularly sudden loud noises have long been a problem for me .
Hi Donna.
If you look at the MS society website, MS can affect cognitive functions although that may not be the main/only cause of forgeting names, etc.
Yet, I can sympathise, as I can’t stand loud noises either. I sometimes feel like a noise is maximised. For instance, I occasionally hear the microwave or washing machine very loudly.