Memory

[Runobear1983]

Hi group,just a quick one dose anyone have problems with there memory?? If so has anyone got any tips on how to help to improve it??

[Royjr]

Write stuff down as much as possible no matter how small.

[erash in reply to Royjr]

I do that too. Make lists. Use templates at work. Use my smart phone for alarm reminders

[Sukie427]

My memory is so bad that I can't remember where I put my water down 2 seconds before. Of course, age can be a factor as well. I just read a study that said that researchers now accept that MS does in fact affect memory, as before they only thought it affected theh white matter but now they have learned that it does affect the gray matter as well. I have started writing stuff down and keeping a detailed calendar and detailed notes. Unfortunately, sometimes I forget where I put them!

[Tinker-Belle]

A couple things I do... I write everything down, or at least try to. I also think brain games are good. I play Sudoku a lot. There are memory games, too. Maybe they don't cure anything but I feel when I keep my brain active, even on silly things like that, it helps me.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi Runobear1983 l just try to keep my mind active with things to do. I also keep appointments listed in my phone, the wall calendar and the wipe off board other wise l will forget. I still repeat things to people all the time. All l can do is laugh it off ugh

[cindyrn68]

If I didn't have three calendars, lists, phone alarms and five million post-it notes everywhere, I would remember nothing! I'm lucky to have very supportive family and co-workers. They call it "part of Cindy's charm" and we laugh it off. I do try to exercise my poor little brain, though. I do crossword puzzles, play lots of Trivial Pursuit (I own them all!) and read voraciously.

[plosed06]

Create a routine. Make an association with something else to help you remember. Repeat it to yourself several times. I also try singing it to myself several times. Create a visual cue. Picture yourself doing something. Or create a physical visual cue. Last week I wanted to remember to call the bank. So I left the bank statement next to the phone to remind me.

[purpletustin]

Hi all, I've recently 'graduated' down to Secondary Progress MS. I'm off all meds now except for Ampyra for walking.

4 years ago I had 2 hours of computer testing for cognition, memory, etc. at my Neurologists' office. Scored in 119th percentile in most areas, but 34th percentile on memory. Next month I will be having Neuropsychological testing from a MS specialist who tests for cognition issues. Guess they want to figure out how fast I'm slip sliding down the slope LOL.

I use my computer and Smartphone to remind me of almost everything I need to do. I wear a physical fitness band (UP Jawbone) to remind me to get moving. My husband took over scheduling, since I can't follow a recipe, either he cooks, we eat out or my kids who are great cooks gladly keep our freezer full. Considering we paid for culinary institute, it enables them to show off.

So far, I've taken COQ 10, and several other over the counter concoctions. Zero have helped. I make sure to routinely read, some technical manuals, Sudoku, word puzzles. I do water aerobics and looking to start chair yoga. If anything is helping, or at least sustaining me, I've not noticed.

Guess the lengthy testing in October will establish a benchmark. Possibly they will come up with something to help, or at least stop the slip sliding down the slope.

Best advice I can give anyone is work on maintaining a strong or livable attitude. Please try to avoid depression as it's hard to dig yourself out of it. If you can't avoid it, work with your primary care or neurologist to use preventive methods or meds to help get you back into a frame of mind that will enable you to see some joy in life. We've joined this 'exclusive' club, not one we'd have chosen, but, hopefully we can make this path as liveable as possible.

[mik48]

Like most of you I Have a Problem with memory,then I stated taking an over the counter drug called DHA every morning and it seams to help.But then again it could be in my head.

[johnMSAA Partner]

Definitely a much-discussed topic, Runobear1983 . Great responses so far. I would also recommend reading two posts on our MS Conversations blog by MSAA guest bloggers Stacie Prada and Meagan Freeman - both who have MS:

Managing Cognitive Difficulties: blog.mymsaa.org/managing-co...

Making and Preserving Memories (where Stacie talks about creating "memory triggers" to help aid): blog.mymsaa.org/making-and-...

- John, MSAA

[sybermomm]

At a lecture, neurologist said working on jigsaw puzzle can help with one's memory

[DavidinKnoxville]

There are good things all the way through these responses. I've always been a reader, so I read to engage the mind and to a certain extent escape. I've always had a hyper imagination and this is something I still feed daily.

One item I did not necessarily see addressed is the effect of stress on our MS experience and memory. I find that when I am stressed and put demands on myself to remember, that's when I get into trouble. It's being overwhelmed that puts me on a slide. That's when my Mindfulness training kicks in and I take a series of meditative breaths, recollect myself and refocus. I have found that this helps me.

Also, I've decided that some things just aren't worth getting upset over any more. That helps to clear out the junk, cobwebs and "stuff hanging around in my attic".

[Fancy1959]

Runobear1983, it's Fancy1959. Memory problems go hand in hand with brains as they age and with many chronic diseases. As my sign in indicates, i am in my late 50's and my memory definitely has holes in it. Now who can tell how much is normal with aging or MS related. All I know for certain is that with many other things MS affect negatively like my balance the use of my hands, etc. I am not giving up my memory without a fight. There's always the true and tried ways to stretch your memory and to help keep it sharp as possible. Try to play games if you have a laptop and notebook or simply purchase puzzles, a deck of cards, etc., that requires you to use your memory with things as simple as playing solitaire, putting together picture puzzles, and my personal favorite Crazy Jacks, etc.. They really help me. I also do things like the memory books tell you to like brushing your teeth with your left hand. Try doing things like reciting your alphabet backwards. As days progress see if you can get father. And as far as meeting people and names my greatest idea that's work for me for the past couple decades is name association. I don't forget faces but I'm horrible at names so when I meet someone new if their name is Bob I look at that person and think of my brother Bob. Then next time I see him I a picture of my brother Bob comes to mind and I know this person's first name is Bob. I know it sounds stupid but it really works for me.. So in other words just pick yourself up some books and start reading. There are all kind of games and gimmicks out there that will help to stretch your memory and improve your brain power. The whole idea is to make your brain look for different ways for nerves to connect and grow new pathways around the areas that MS has gotten into an disrupted the nerve flow. Please keep me updated on how you memory is doing. Until then, fight for your memory Runobear1983, fight on MS Warrior!