This podcast explores cognitive issues in multiple sclerosis. Caroline Craven aka The Girl With MS shares the impact of MS on her short-term memory, word-finding ability and multitasking skills. She talks about the role of stress, sleep and mood have on her cognition. Caroline reviews how she copes with these changes partially through diet, exercise and good sleep. Abbey Hughes PhD, a rehabilitation psychologist from John Hopkins, outlines ways to deal with memory and multitasking obstacles for those living with MS. Strategies to help cognitive functioning are shared including task completion tips, journal use, brain-empowering apps, speech therapy, stress reduction and depression control. Screening tools to check for cognitive problems such as brain processing speed reviewed. MS brain changes and key ways to maintain brain health and better cognition emphasized.

Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care interviews:

Caroline Craven aka The Girl with MS is a certified life coach, writer and motivation speaker. Her writing focuses on articles in health journalism and highly rated blog. Her blog post topics range from personal experiences, research-based articles, recipes, life hacks and resources.

Abbey Hughes PhD is a clinical psychologist with expertise in rehabilitation psychology and multiple sclerosis rehabilitation. She is an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at John Hopkins. Her clinical and research interests include the assessment, treatment and management of psychological and cognitive difficulties associated with multiple sclerosis including adjustment to disability, sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and problems with thinking or memory.

Visit mslivingwell.org for more information.

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