Half of MS patients will develop memory difficulties while 5-10% encounter severe, life-changing disabilities. I forget people’s names, phone numbers, what I was looking for, simple tasks I meant to complete, and where I put things. Memory loss causes me language issues such as word recall, stuttering, and long pauses in thought. My Johnny-on-the-spot sharpness and problem-solving abilities have decreased. Burning dinner and setting off the fire alarm, forgetting steps in a process, losing my train of thought and track of time, and wondering if I took my pills or even my dog’s pills are my normal. Lack of memory made it difficult to teach or work as a school administrator eventually forcing me onto medical disability. MS memory problems are said to change one’s personality and for me that has been true. I have transformed from a type triple A (extreme overachiever) to a borderline type B (relaxed). It seems odd to say but my life is better in the sense that my brain is no longer on overload and is slowing me down giving me time to enjoy life.

If I sound like you than you may have a memory problem too. A neuropsychologist can perform a mental function evaluation to determine a management plan.