Common changes
Thinking and communication changes in MS can include:
- Needing more time to take in information or respond
- Losing focus, especially with distractions or when tired
- Forgetting tasks, appointments or what was just said
- Trouble planning, starting or organizing tasks
- Searching for words, or reading and writing taking more effort
- Slurred speech or voice changes for some people
Fatigue, pain, stress and mood all affect thinking, so therapy looks at the whole picture.
Strategies for daily life
Support is built around your energy and your goals:
- Energy planning
- Prioritizing, pacing and planning demanding tasks for when your energy is highest.
- Memory supports
- Checklists, calendars and reminders that reduce the demands on memory.
- Focus
- Adjusting the environment to reduce distractions.
- Work
- Finding the strategies and accommodations that help you do your job well, and how to ask for them.
- Speech
- Help with clarity and voice if speech is affected.
- Family
- Showing the people closest to you how to help. Learn more about our caregiver education.