Does MS affect thinking or memory?
Many patients notice that MS affects their thinking or memory. They may be forgetful, especially for recent memory items. They may not be able to solve problems quickly, retrieve information quickly or deal with multiple tasks at one time. Intelligence quotient (IQ) is often normal because IQ testing does not require much rapid information processing or recent memory. Most people with MS either do not have these problems, or have these problems to a mild degree. Sometimes patients may have thinking or memory difficulties that are more disabling. Neuropsychological testing can be done to identify the type and severity of thinking/memory loss. Speech therapists are trained to help people compensate for these symptoms.
