b'Life with MS RReeccooggnniizziinnggt heeEEaarrllyySSiiggnnssooffthCCooggnniittiivveeIImmppaairmentirmentWWhhaattffaammiillyyccaarreeggiivveerrssnneeeeddttookknnoowwBy Nichole Goble As a family caregiver, youre likely tunedDifficultyfindingwordsorfollowing into the rhythms and routines of your lovedconversations: You may notice your loved ones life. After all, family caregivers are usuallyone struggling more than usual to express the ones who know their loved ones dailythemselves, pausing often, or losing track of schedules the best. That also means you takewhat they were saying. notice of the little thingswhat time theirForgetfulness:Missingappointments, favorite TV show comes on, how much creammisplacing items in unusual places, or repeatedly or sugar they like their coffee, how they recallasking the same question can all be red ags. memories or handle conversations.Trouble with decision-making and planning: Caregivers are often the rst to spot whenTasks that require multistep thinkingsuch somethingseemsoff.Subtlechangesinas preparing a meal or organizing a schedule memory, thinking, or behavior can be easy to may become more difficult or overwhelming. dismiss at rstchalked up to stress, lack of Changes in mood or personality: Irritability, sleep, or even agingbut they may signalapathy, or withdrawal from social interactions the early stages of cognitive impairment.may accompany or precede cognitive decline. When your loved one is living with multiple Poor concentration and attention: Difficulty sclerosis, its crucial to be aware of these signs.staying focused during a task or conversation Changes in cognition may indicate diseasemight be more noticeable, particularly in new progression, affecting your loved ones memory,or stimulating environments. attention, information processing, and executive Disorientation: Feeling confused about time, functioning. It is estimated that as many asfamiliar places, or daily routines can indicate 65 percent of people with MS experience somemore signicant cognitive involvement. degree of cognitive dysfunction while living with the condition. Recognizing the earlyWhat should you do next?indicators is crucialnot just for medicalIf youre seeing some of these signs, trust intervention, but also for supporting qualityyour instincts. You dont have to wait until oflifeandadjustingyourapproachestothings escalate to take action. Consider the lessen your caregiver stress.following steps: What to look for: Common early signs 1. Start a conversation: It can be challenging Cognitive impairment doesnt always presentto talk about cognitive changes, but your as dramatic memory loss. Often, the signs areperspective as a caregiver is invaluable. Choose subtle and gradual. Here are some commona quiet moment to share your observations early indicators family caregivers might notice:gently. Use I statements (e.g., I noticed msfocusmagazine.org 16'