multiplesclerosisnewstoday....
Though the article is more about a program for monitoring MS, I found their use of "cognition relapses" very interesting. I personally have periods of time in which I find my ability to process information impaired. I particularly notice it when interpreting a quilting pattern or just reading in general, but I also notice changes in mood or anxiety levels.
Do you ever feel as though your main symptom change is one of cognition?
No mine is physical but I have PPMS. 🦋
I’m with you I have this issue when I’m stressed
I always seem to have problems when interpreting patterns, recipes, directions, so if I have the time, I re-read, re-read, and take it one step at a time. It helps, and avoids mistakes, but at times, it can be very frustrating when I cannot remember the simple things that I JUST read. When this happens, I just step away, and try it another time. Good approach with quilting, not so good when following a recipe. Oh well. Patience with myself, I must follow. 
Overall, I can tell I've slipped with processing information. But there are times when it's worse, and I have to stop for a couple of days before I feel I can understand the what I'm reading clearly. I just passed the reins to someone else to lead the quilt group for awhile. I recently looked at a pattern to start cutting and is was about like Greek. Two weeks later, I was able to understand it. The pattern was not terribly clear, granted, but the real problem was with my brain or lack thereof.
And I used to be a computer programmer, so when 'it does not compute', then things are seriously about to go sideways! But adapt, we all must, and looking back on some of my whoops, well, they are really entertaining! Just remember to hide the 'incriminating' evidence!
Keep Smiling, and Stay Strong,
Carole
Hi greaterexp - cognitive challenges are what I'm most concerned about - sometimes, I have a harder time reading and writing, my brain slips from the task at hand every 5 sec and go blank (and it's not A.D.D). I read a 5 digit number and can't remember it 2 seconds later. I'm in a meeting and someone asks a question and it takes me 10 sec to make sense of it. I ask my husband teh same simple question 3 times in a row because I forgot I already asked him.
All little things that are invisible (or maybe not, and this might be why I lost my job). But they're there.
I find these to be the hardest to track and measure over time. I also think all the tests and neuro questions don't cover it.
If you find a way, let us know.
I totally believe a cog relapse led to my unemployment 
Yes, I do too. Particularly if I have to read detailed instructions or concentrate on working throu a thought process. It’s extraordinarily frustrating for me. Often I have to set it aside for another time.
I’m also experiencing short term memory loss/lapses which is even scarier. We took care of my mother-in-law for 10 years. Who developed severe dementia before passing away at 98. So, yeah, that scares me.
I also used to be an avid reader and could read as much as a book a day. I can’t recall the last time I picked up a book now.
Some have CRS, I have the more advanced version “CRAFT”. (Can’t remember a “darn” thing). I absolutely have to bring lyric/chord sheets with me when I play. Even my own songs! Once I got over the stigma of not just being on stage and just playing, it was easy. Now I don’t care what others think. Now walking into a room and not knowing why.....
I have CRAFT to. On my bad days I can say one thing one minute and the next minute I forget I said it or repeat myself. 😕❤🌷
I sure understand. I used to love reading, but don’t even bother picking up a book now. I started a very enjoyable book year ago, but have laid it aside.
I most def have problems with this. I can’t concentrate on anything for long. Following instructions are a thing of the past. I spend more time trying to remember what I was thinking about 10 seconds ago than I do with the original thought. Especially if I lay my phone or keys somewhere. I have to get my wife to call me to find my phone on a regular basis.
Donnie
I’ve had MS for 14 years and didn’t get cog fog till I got past age 65. I also was an avid reader, don’t read as much as I use too. 🙃❤️
I have been hiding my own Easter 🐣’s for years 👍😃😂🤣😅😲😖. 🙏👍🐾 Ken
Definitely have CRAFT! Stress makes it a lot worse. Doh!
I am noticing it more now than ever, especially when I am stressed, constantly repeating myself, forgetting appointments. Funny thing is that my husband was the first to notice something was wrong 7 years ago. I didn't think there was lol
I w as diagnosed with rrms approximately 1 year ago .
Definitely and it's only getting worse as time progress. When I was initially diagnosed I remember my neurologist going through a list of symptoms that I may have experienced but I didn't know it may have been due to the MS. I was shocked when she asked about any cognitive issues at work. I did experience some challenges that I just figured at the time was due to aging and stress. I was only 40years old. Cognitive issues has been my dark secret with MS. Thanks for sharing ☺️
I'm interested to learn more about cognitive relapses and the difference between them and general cognitive decline. Is there such a thing as a relapse that is demonstrated by only or primarily cognitive changes? Last week felt like one of those situations. I did have issues with my legs, but the cognitive changes affecting my thinking and attitude scared me a bit. It only lasted a few days, but was this a type of relapse? Would any change be found on an MRI? I just had one in August with no new lesions found.
Just when I think I've got a handle on things, poof!
...Ended my career of 26 years... Very hard to be "ok" with it. Day by day...
Oh, good morning dear friend in the journey! God sends angels for a reason; to make us feel less alone in our battles and struggles. Started to cry this morning, had a brain stab/freeze; this bothers me with Master's level education, sometimes I read longer than the preschooler's I used to teach, but how did I comprehend and pass a state board exam in my life??? Recent MRI show no new lesions, good blood pressure. Yes, this is probably the same thing for me. I'm scheduled to see my Neuro soon. Stay strong and be encourage! Sunny days are coming!
NeeC
Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness in responding. I pray God sends angels to watch over you, too.
This discussion hits home. I had to retire from my tech career partially because of cognitive issues. I couldn’t retain the details I needed to, lost my ability to concentrate and the fatigue followed me all day long. And forget about learning anything like you constantly need to do in technology jobs.
I also was a voracious reader most of my life. I started reading at 4 years old. I recently gave away tons of books because I struggle to read due tonvision and cognitive issues. He books were a reminder of what I can no longer do. I can read on my IPad a little better but it’s still frustrating that I can’t retain what I read like I used to.
Raingrrl- What vision are you talking about, why you can't read?
greaterexp- I was DX'd with RRMS so I could get on Copaxone. I didn't have much success but one Dr. Thought I was PPMS, anyway I have cognitive issues all the time! My wife gets mad because I will be watching tv with her, she will tell me a story and about halfway through the story I might just check out and go back to watching TV! She will say something to me and I will say What?? She will say I was talking to You! I feel bad about it but I can't help it, it isn't intentional! She gets bent out of shape!
When I'm fatigued really bad or have a Siezure then of course im really bad!😉
I know what it's like to be on the receiving end of someone not paying attention. It does feel hurtful and can make us feel unvalued. That's why I am learning to tell people quietly ahead of time that my brain just doesn't work like it once did and that I can't handle much input. I try to warn them that it can happen without any warning, but it definitely isn't personal. I have a few friends who seem to understand, and they accept me anyway, even when they're bewildered. I hope your wife can accept your limitation in this area and understand that it isn't meant to insult her. Sometimes I have to tell my husband that I love him dearly, but that "no one is home" in my brain and I need to shut down for a while. He loves to talk, but he is learning to understand my situation better. Though he misses my full attention, he doesn't get angry. Thank God!
Thank you, I will try saying those to her!
My husband does get annoyed with me and I can't really explain to him what it is that goes wrong in my brain so I find it better just to shrug my shoulders. It's sad what happens to the brain, I am a graduate linguist and had to give that up but I do still remember most of my Italian language, hoping when I retire I can go back to Italy and converse. There's always hope for something. Keep going, hope for the best! Very best wishes to you all! ☺
Memory and cognitive changes
cognitive study
Could This Be A Relapse?
