A couple thoughts.
How long has it been since you have had your cognitive tests?
Yes, my friend, stress affects our ability to remember greater than anything else. I know from not only reading, but personal experience.
The last comment is that aracept is a drug prescribed to enhave memory, but there are also herbs, such a gingko that people use for memory. Also, walnuts are the best food for the brain.

Hugs to you Eloise...........

I can relate to some degree, but honestly at times with the things I forget I really wonder what I have or haven't said to my poor long suffering family.

My ST memory has its moments. Sometimes better than others.

I can't offer you anything but support and understanding, and take care.
Deb
xoxox

Eloise, I think it's just that there is so much going on here, that we have fleeting things we say, then move on, it's almost our thoughts - can you remember exactly what you thought about days ago? Anyway, I do the same thing as you and go to a post and think, "did I write that, geez!"

I went to a seminar about Cognition & MS, the end result was that I felt much better about the cognitive issues. The biggest thing I took away from the seminar was that it is NOT a degenerative disease like Alzheimers. Like the pamphlet said, it "waxes and wanes". I seem to have more trouble when I am stressed or overly tired.

There's also that age & menopause thing going on too, I can never figure out what is causing my problems for sure.

Hi Eloise,

Another factor, for memory and cognitive issues: the drugs we may be taking.

For me taking Klonipin almost ended my working life. It made thinking about anything with any complexity a challenge I couldn't win. It also has left a hole in my memory for the time I was taking it, not a complete hole, but a hole with little holes in it.

Now I am weaning myself off of Amitryptilene, I hope it was trashing my memory too, I would love to recover more.

So, drugs can be playing a part too.

A little bit keep in mind what you seem to be forgetting. The messageboards are "virtual people" in effect. Not people you physical contact with. So it is not as easy to keep track of. I get people on the messageboards confused at times, did this from the start of using MS message boards. I'll read something inconsistent with that person & start thinking she lied. She said just the opposite before. It took me a long while to conclude that 2 different people said the opposite things.

With message board's you might have posted a reply you really did truely & stongly believe, so you may have thought about it after...then thought I should really post theses thoughts only to find out you did...
especially if it is a reply you think your thought may help someone going through a rough patch...

What I am saying, I don't think you should use the messageboards as a yardstick of your memory.

ELOISE, THE MS HAS REALLY PLAYED WITH MY MEMORY, I HAVE TO WRITE THINGS DOWN CONSTANTLY, THE BAD THING I DO IS LET MY DOBEE DOO OUTSIDE, AND I FORGET ABOUT HER.....TIL SOMEONE SAYS...WHERE IS THE DOG......THEN I FEEL BAD, BUT WRITE THINGS DOWN....IT HELPS
HUGS
JAV

You sound so much like me, my memory is getting terrible along with my overall cognitive skills, yet all my test for this come back normal. I don't feel normal. But we still are--we can't help whats happening. Maybe we can take advice from LeannaB and try herbs and walnuts. It also can never hurt to keep down stress.

Great ideas and suggestions. I like the walnut idea especially since it gives me an excuse to eat them! Now to remember this remedy--LOL. My concern now is since school starts on Tuesday, the memory issue will continue to deteriorate...guess i'll deal with it as best I can.

I have learned to write things down, post them on the refrigerator, but last week I missed two events that were really important and was looking forward to going to. I even had the invite card on the fridge all week for the one event...totally spaced it out. Frustrating. The gingko also sounds like something to try.

Thanks again for the suggestions and affirmation that my cognitive function is probably MS and not something else. The last time cognitive was tested was this past May. I'll have it tested again in November, but if I'm having a fairly good day, I'll probably pass the test with flying colors again.

Feel the same way as you about cognitive issues & feel fairly certain it is MS related.
Take note all the time to keep track as well.
As long as it is not progressing quickly, Try not to worry.
Like, if you forget the name of your partner, dog or street, get worried.

I had several memory tests several years ago. They all said I was fine---but it surprised me that the length of time it took to take the test increased every time. It seems the length of time you take for the test is not taken into consideration--just how much you are able to recall is taken into consideration. Well if my memory/recall is getting slower I feel there is a problem. Call me crazy!

I've had this problem sor so long its hard to remember yesterday.I recieved a memo board and have it posted on the wall next to the phone where i post everything. my girls get mad at me as i write things like call doc about RX or forget that i was to be someplace. Even online school has been hard for me. I know the answers but i can't get the words out right and fail. the friend that lives here in "soapcity" doesn't come over much as i always repeate things and they think i'm being smart. Write everything down and look at it when taking meds helps but also try to find aomeone to contact you to remind you of important things. my girls have to remind me when i need to shower as i'm tring too hard on school,job hunting and cleaning. Stress makes it worse.I'm not on meds for any of this as the doctor says it's old age.

I was a school teacher who had memory problems, but kind o thought that was just me or normal. I got my class lists as soon as possible so I could study. I kept seating charts and held them. I actually had them on my computer and printed them weekly so I could jot notes by a kids name. I always had the lesson outlined on the board and I referred to it. Don't worry, I was not so stilted; it just helped me to keep track. And yes, I have had that where I wrote a response and forgot that I had written one. One thing I really like here, is that if you are not sure about a person, you can click on them and get your mempory refreshed! I also try to keep my brain active, because if I do not use something, I lose it fast.
I hope you have a good school year. I have to admit that I am jealous, but what can I do, my mom needed me.

Take care! Clare

You are not alone! When I read a post I always have to look and see if I have already left a comment. It is very frustrating! My husband, G and my kids think it's funny sometimes and like to tell me I never said this or that. We have always tried to find the humor in my MS, I like to use it as I'm not getting older I have MS! Seriously though, I have talked to my dr about this and he really wasn't much help on this one, I have a voice activated tape recorder, and I write a lot of things down, sticky notes are my friend. I write down when this happens the most in a journal of my symptons and try to figure out what is going on in my life or my families and see if stress or worry is making it worse. The bad thing is I haven't been able to make it much better. If you find a way or have any tips please let us know, good luck. God Bless Kel

One of the reasons I try to journal somewhat frequently is because of memory. It provides me with a wealth of information regarding symptoms that I would forget about if I hadn't written it down. Then I print out the pages I need and take them with me for my neuro. visits. This has been very helpful for him.

I started school today and I was absolutely amazed as I saw students I had two years ago and actually remembered their names--not just first names, but last names as well (most of the time). My memory was better today than it has been for weeks. Go figure. Now to learn the names of all of my new students!

Sticky notes and calendars with big boxes do help me remember and I do have a voice recorder but I don't use it much as I keep losing it (can't remember where I put it!). Writing things down definitely helps as well.

Thanks all, for the responses.

Half the time I can't remember who or where I am! Its pitiful!!!!