Mood & Cognition in MS: [What you can do]

Our understanding of the role that mood and cognition play in a person’s experience of multiple sclerosis has expanded dramatically in recent years. We now understand that both these types of “invisible symptoms” can be a direct result of the disease process, and can change over time.
We also now recognize that while changes in mood and cognitive abilities may not be readily apparent to outside observers, their impact on a person’s life can be profound, affecting physical, social, emotional, occupational and spiritual functioning.
Fortunately, mood changes are among the most treatable symptoms of MS, and the scientific community is making great strides in identifying cognitive impairment and providing new tools for helping people minimize its presence in their lives. With the appropriate strategies and tools in place, people with MS can live their best lives and participate actively in their own care.
Our program this year explores why and how people with MS experience changes in mood and cognitive functioning, and provides the latest information on how these symptoms can be addressed—from physical activity, medications and counseling to self-management strategies. In the video portion of the program, you will hear from clinicians at the forefront of MS research and
treatment discussing the latest advances and recommendations, as well as from individuals who have experienced these symptoms and have lessons to share.

[judithsantillan]

The sad thing… without an MRI to confirm, all of these symptoms are just chalked up to a bad attitude or being a bad person

[s.mirandacooper]

This video is literally bringing me to tears, especially the woman who’s discussing cognition. No one has ever understood what I’m trying to say when I’ve explained it almost exactly as she has. No one understands the exhaustion and the fatigue; where sometimes you don’t even know if you’ll make it through your shower or through the store. People think you’re crazy when you’re constantly anxious or when you are alarmed at strange skin irritations with certain temperatures. Im Cuban (well, I was born in NJ) and Cubans always think you’re a hypochondriac. However, no one knows you the way you know yourself. I used to teach Psychology at a college level. Honestly, I don’t think I’m capable anymore; both cognitively and energy-wise. I’m not diagnosed, but it is a suspicion based on MRI and symptoms. My first appointment with a neurologist is in a few days and I’m scared of sounding crazy.

[Smash_Gravy]

A family member at an ms patient must have unlimited patience. I love my mom no matter what.

[sissiepickett]

I'm cherishing every moment now after being in the bed for a year. Out of bed 2 months now and I do not miss it. I still have my symptoms physically and cognitively, the only difference is my embracing them and doing what I am able to do and coming up with new ways of achieving what I want to do whereas before I was not very optimistic. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago, and during my down time I found myself. MS affects me but it will not define me. Hugs to all and thank you for this video..

[heidifisher]

I've always struggles with mood changes and depression. For quite a while I suspected I had bi-polar disorder but deep down I knew that wasn't right. I blamed my depression on my situation outside of MS and never contemplated that it was a symptom of something bigger. I'm also incredibly forgetful and absolutely struggle with computing new information. I think for many of us we become extremely frustrated with ourselves because we can't do what we once did and that's why we get depressed and angry, not to mention the struggle of being in physical pain and feeling numb almost everyday.

[AtticaLundy]

What i'm tired of is constantly having to explain things, explain why I am this way when people clearly have access to knowing that MS patients are like this. The strain of relationships is because I am tired of people not understanding that i'm having issues.

[NicoleRAINMusic]

I was confirmed to have MS less than a week ago. I showed this video to my loved ones to help them understand what is happening to me and I find it to be really comprehensive and helpful, thank you for this! I am I am wishing everyone all the best 🙏🏾💛🙏🏾

[firefly]

I have M.S. it does take longer to absorb or retain information. But it can be done, take a lot of notes. This disease changes your life. It can be done.

[gjop-xmxe]

I hate when people will say oh ya that happens to me to its just us getting old

[nicoleo]

I always thought I was slow. I really struggle to retain new information and I can NEVER tell a story I heard without having to go back because I missed things. I have all of these issues in this video and I suspected it was related to the ms, glad this is validation.

[davecallahan]

My college degree is in speech communication; not to toot my horn, but I thought I was a decent public speaker; I also liked to act. In the three years since my diagnosis I witnessed severe erosion of my abilities and find myself reserved to communicate with others. Thanks for sharing this info.

[roxannefink]

I REALLY WISH MY LOVED ONES WOULD WATCH THIS AND UNDERSTAND AND ACTUALLY SHOW SOME INTEREST IN WHAT IM GOING THRU.

[LITTLEMUSTANGFILLY]

This made me cry. Everything I've been struggling with got brought up here.

[brianthesnail]

Its interesting listening to the man at 1.12 speaking. I am in the early stages of my MS journey. I sometimes speak like him and have swallowing problems. I have never heard someone else speak with MS that had speech problems so it was just useful hearing him.

[l.a.w.]

This is an eye opening presentation of the evolution of symptoms of MS.

[tjnegrete-carranza]

Okay... so every person is different, and people truly handle it differently. For me 10 years MS, it motivates me. My anger/frustration is put into mainly productive actions. I was told I would be in a wheelchair upon diagnosis... thankfully still walking. I deal with many of the issues pointed out.... Take advantage of the many opportunities MS Society offers.
Life isn’t perfect nor easy.... You just have to figure out a way to work with what you are given.

[andreamoscoso]

If you have severe PTSD please please work with all your doctors and therapists to try to come up with the healthiest plan for you they need to all be on board.

[arcasticsarcastics]

The speakers in the video act like we can over come the cognitive challenge. The comment if your arm is hurt you go to the doctor, so if you cognitive ability is messed up you go to the doctor. Its not that simple. One with severe MS cognitive disability cannot just go to the doctor and learn to overcome it. 

[Firecracker]

Mood and cognition difficulties can sure test a marriage during this quarantine...thank God for earbuds and a patient husband and an excellent care team! And pasta lol

[niallmurray]

Excellent informative video. I watched this because a close friend has MS. In an effort to learn more about how to help and understand it. It did a lot, and makes someone who doesn’t live with it realise how difficult it must be for lots of reasons.

Thank you 🙏