{"id":5425,"date":"2023-10-04T13:40:48","date_gmt":"2023-10-04T18:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/ridgeland-place\/?p=5425"},"modified":"2026-01-04T12:09:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T17:09:01","slug":"connection-between-ms-and-memory-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/ridgeland-place\/blog\/2023\/10\/04\/connection-between-ms-and-memory-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"MS and Memory Loss: How Multiple Sclerosis is Connected to Cognitive Impairment"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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When we think of multiple sclerosis (MS), we often focus on the physical symptoms. However, many people with MS also experience memory loss and cognitive changes. According to the National Library of Medicine, cognitive impairment can develop alongside MS’ physical symptoms, creating intellectual and social challenges that deeply affect seniors and their loved ones.<\/p>

At Ridgeland Place<\/a>, our trained caregivers are familiar with the multiple sclerosis and memory loss connection and lovingly support residents with this condition, Alzheimer\u2019s, and other forms of dementia. Keep reading to learn more about what MS is, the symptoms, and how these individuals can be best supported in loving communities that specialize in memory care.<\/p>

\"Ridgeland
Our caregivers lovingly support residents with MS and memory loss.<\/figcaption><\/figure>

What is Multiple Sclerosis?<\/h2>

Multiple sclerosis impacts the central nervous system when an individual\u2019s immune system malfunctions. When working properly, the immune system fights unwelcome organisms like bacteria. But with MS, it mistakenly goes after the body\u2019s myelin sheaths. These sheaths protect neurons and help them communicate with each other, much like insulation protects electrical wires.<\/p>

The brain and spinal cord rely on myelin for neurons to work. Without the sheaths\u2019 protection, the signals do not arrive whole at their intended locations. That\u2019s why people with MS lose their coordination, have significant weakness, and feel nerve pain. In many cases, they become paralyzed as their conditions worsen.<\/p>

Can multiple sclerosis cause dementia? A National Library of Medicine<\/a> study claims that \u201cthe prevalence of dementia is quite low, reaching no more than 10\u201325% of patients with MS.\u201d MS-related cognitive impairment usually develops differently than dementia. It tends to be more variable, with some cognitive domains remaining intact while others are affected. The pattern is often called “cognitive dysfunction” rather than dementia.<\/p>

How Does MS Affect Memory?<\/h2>

Damaged myelin sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain commonly cause problems with working memory, processing speed, and attention. Patients may struggle with remembering recent conversations, multitasking, or recalling words. But long-term memories are typically less affected than short-term cognitive functions.<\/p>

JAMA Network claims that cognitive impairment affects 40 to 60 percent of MS patients. MS dementia symptoms might affect:<\/p>