Managing Changes in Cognition with Multiple Sclerosis: Tips and Activities for Staying Sharp

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) brings a variety of challenges, and cognitive changes are one of the more subtle yet impactful aspects of the condition. Often referred to as “brain fog,” cognitive symptoms can affect memory, concentration, planning, and processing speed. These changes can feel frustrating and can interfere with daily life, but the good news is that there are strategies and activities that can help. By staying proactive and engaging in cognitive exercises, you can better manage these symptoms and keep your mind sharp.

At the Samson Centre, we are dedicated to providing resources and activities that support cognitive well-being alongside physical health. In this guide, we’ll delve into the types of cognitive changes common in MS, outline specific activities we offer at the Centre, and provide practical tips you can incorporate into your daily routine to enhance cognitive function.

Understanding Cognitive Changes in Multiple Sclerosis
Cognitive changes in MS arise because the disease affects the central nervous system, where the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibres. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and body, potentially impacting a variety of mental processes. While cognitive symptoms vary from person to person, they often include:

• Memory Issues: Many people with MS experience difficulty remembering recent events, recalling names, or retaining information from routine activities. It may take longer to retrieve information, and short-term memory can be particularly affected
  

• Slowed Thinking: Cognitive processing speed can decrease, meaning it may take longer to process and respond to information. This can make tasks like following conversations or making quick decisions more challenging.

• Difficulty Concentrating: Focusing on tasks for extended periods can be challenging for people with MS, especially if the tasks are complex or involve multiple steps.

• Organisational Challenges: Planning, prioritising, and multitasking can become difficult, affecting the ability to complete everyday tasks efficiently. This can be especially frustrating if you’re used to being highly organised.

These cognitive changes are often unpredictable and can fluctuate, sometimes worsening during relapses and easing during periods of remission. Understanding these symptoms is the first step towards finding effective ways to manage them. Remember, you are not alone, and there are many ways to address these cognitive shifts.

Cognitive Support at the Samson Centre: Tailored Activities
The Samson Centre provides a range of activities that help support cognitive health, allowing members to engage their minds while also enjoying a sense of community. These activities are designed not only to strengthen cognitive skills but also to provide physical and social benefits, helping you to maintain overall well-being.

• Brainfit: Brainfit is a structured programme that combines physical and cognitive exercises to stimulate various areas of the brain. It’s designed to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities through targeted activities. By engaging in Brainfit, participants are able to keep their minds active, helping to reduce the impact of cognitive changes over time. Brainfit sessions also foster social connections, providing a fun and supportive group environment.

• Ball Drills: While ball drills are typically viewed as physical exercise, they also require concentration, quick thinking, and coordination, making them a fantastic cognitive workout. Tracking the ball’s movement, anticipating its trajectory, and reacting quickly help improve reaction times and mental agility. Ball drills are an excellent way to engage both body and mind, providing cognitive and physical benefits simultaneously.

• Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a gentle martial art that involves slow, meditative movements. This activity encourages mindfulness and relaxation, which are beneficial for mental clarity. Practising Tai Chi requires focus, balance, and rhythmic movement, all of which help to improve concentration and cognitive awareness. Regular practice can reduce stress, support emotional well-being, and promote a calm, clear mind. Tai Chi at the Samson Centre provides a peaceful environment where members can work on both their mental and physical health.

• Brain Training Apps: Apps like Lumosity and Peak are designed to enhance cognitive skills through games that target memory, attention, and problem-solving. These games are fun and offer convenient ways to work on your cognitive function daily, helping to reinforce mental agility.
  
  Learning New Skills: Learning a new language, musical instrument, or skill activates different areas of the brain, keeping it engaged and adaptable. By challenging the mind to acquire new knowledge, you’re building mental resilience. Set achievable goals, like learning a few phrases in a new language or practising a new recipe, to keep your mind active and curious

• Reading and Writing: Regular reading is a simple yet powerful way to keep the brain sharp. Reading engages comprehension, memory, and critical thinking, while journaling or writing encourages reflection and recall. Whether it’s a novel, magazine, or blog post, reading keeps your mind engaged with new information and ideas.

Social Interaction: A Key to Cognitive Health
Social isolation can have a negative impact on cognitive function. Interacting with others encourages conversation, memory recall, and information processing. Whether it’s a coffee with friends, a phone call with family, or joining a social group, these interactions stimulate the brain and combat feelings of loneliness, which can worsen cognitive symptoms.

At the Samson Centre, we foster a supportive community where people with MS can connect with one another. Group activities, therapy sessions, and social gatherings offer the chance to build relationships with others who understand the challenges of living with MS. The Samson Centre’s community provides both emotional and cognitive benefits, helping members to stay mentally active and emotionally supported.

Practical Tips for Managing Cognitive Changes in Daily Life
Managing cognitive changes can be made easier with some practical adjustments to your daily routine. Here are some strategies to help:

• Use Reminders and Lists: Set alarms, use calendars, or write to-do lists to keep track of important tasks. Writing things down can aid memory and reduce the stress associated with forgetting. Sticky notes around the house or reminders on your phone can be especially helpful.

• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Cognitive symptoms can worsen with stress, so incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can help. A calm mind is better able to process and retain information.

• Break Down Tasks: Large tasks can feel overwhelming, so breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can make them more achievable. Completing each step provides a sense of accomplishment and helps maintain focus.

• Stay Organised: Clutter can create mental distractions. Keeping a tidy, organised environment can make it easier to remember where things are and to focus on tasks at hand.

• Sleep Well: Quality sleep is essential for cognitive health. Poor sleep can worsen MS symptoms, including brain fog, so aim for a consistent bedtime, reduce screen time before bed, and create a relaxing sleep environment.

• Engage in Physical Activity: Physical exercise supports cognitive health by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing stress. Even gentle activities, such as yoga or stretching, can help maintain mental clarity and improve mood.
  

The Importance of Staying Mentally Active
Engaging in cognitive exercises regularly can be a powerful tool for managing brain fog and other cognitive symptoms. Here are some of the most effective activities to include in your routine:

• Crosswords and Sudoku: These puzzles challenge memory, vocabulary, and logic, offering an effective way to stay mentally engaged.

• Jigsaw Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles help with spatial awareness, visual memory, and focus. They also provide a relaxing yet mentally stimulating activity.

• Learn Something New: Learning a new skill or hobby can boost cognitive resilience, as the brain thrives on new challenges. It could be something as simple as knitting, cooking a new recipe, or practising a new dance move.
  

Final Thoughts: Managing Cognitive Changes with Multiple Sclerosis
Cognitive changes can be one of the more frustrating symptoms of MS, but with the right support and strategies, they can be managed effectively. By incorporating cognitive exercises, engaging in social interactions, and staying physically active, you can take a proactive approach to your cognitive health.
At the Samson Centre, we’re here to provide the resources, community, and guidance to help you manage these changes.

From Brainfit and Tai Chi sessions to group activities and social gatherings, we offer a comprehensive support system designed to help you maintain mental sharpness and a positive outlook. Living with MS may present unique challenges, but with the right tools, support, and determination, you can continue to live a fulfilling and active life.

Further Resources for MS Support and Information:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS): www.nationalmssociety.org
MS Trust: www.mstrust.org.uk
MS International Federation: www.msif.org

While cognitive changes can be challenging, remember that you’re not alone. By building a routine that supports cognitive health and connecting with others who understand, you’re taking valuable steps to thrive despite MS. The Samson Centre community is here to walk with you on this journey, every step of the way.