Learn, Build, Share. Learn more about cognitive difficulties in MS. Build confidence in managing them. Share useful information.
Staying Smart is a website designed for people who want to know (or know more) about how MS can affect thinking. Not everyone with MS will experience difficulties in this area. But for those who do, information can be hard to find. “Cognition” is the general word that covers all aspects of thinking. It includes memory, concentration and planning. To help you work out which type of thinking is tricky for you, the website starts with everyday problems. You can click on the everyday problem. Each problem is linked to a set of information which is helpful for that type of problem. It might be memory, attention, wayfinding, finding things, language, or executive skills.
Each type of thinking problem has its own set of information. Each has a short explanation and a useful Tips and Tricks section. You are invited to add your own advice to help other people using the site. There is also More Information, which gives more detail about that specific type of thinking problem. Gadgets and Gizmos lists items you can buy that may be helpful. MST publications is a catalogue of pamphlets and fact sheets you may find helpful, published by the MST. You can print these out by clicking on them, or order them by post. Other Resources lists helpful books, websites and DVD’s from other sources you may want to know about. Research is a summary of research, divided into describing the thinking problem and rehabilitation studies. Other Important Influences deals with other aspects of MS that can affect cognition, such as fatigue or depression. Involving Family and Friends has ideas for talking about thinking glitches with your family and friends. Getting Professional Help gives information about health professionals who can help and how you can contact them. Some of these sections also have General Info, with more wide-ranging points. If you are more confident or knowledgeable in this area, there is Fast Track. All information about each thinking problem can be accessed by one click in Fast Track. All information can be printed out and you can change the screen to make the text easier to read.
The goals of this website are to:
- support learning about cognition in MS
- build confidence in managing cognition in MS
- facilitate sharing of knowledge about and experience of cognition in MS.
Every member of the MS Community is invited to contribute to this website. Input is welcomed from people with MS, their families and health professionals. Every comment, criticism, and piece of information is valuable.
