24 msfocusmagazine.org by Tony DiGerolamo “As far as sharing vulnerable cognitive moments are concerned, being honest about your struggles is the best way to shatter the stigma of dealing with mental concerns. Be upfront and share what does and does not help you through cognitive challenges, and learn to adjust.” Jeffrey N. Gingold is an award-winning author, a frequent MS Focus Magazine contributor, and a self-described volunteer MS advocate (though he says his favorite monikeris simply“Dad”). He is also something of a pioneer in the field of tackling cognitive challenges and MS. Diagnosed in 1996, Jeffrey knew nothing about MS, saying that he “couldn’t even spell the word ‘sclerosis.’” While he experienced common first symptoms like optic neuritis and limb numbness, cognitive challenges started early for Jeffrey. “I repeatedly lost my presence, including where I was walking, driving, and what I was saying. My purpose was regularly derailed, leaving me confused and lost without explanation. But, at the time, no one related any of it to MS. Not even the neurologist.” Jeffreyelaborated on his cognitive struggles, “It shouldn’t be so hard to find a word that is on the tip of my tongue, or to remember what I already started to say. My thoughts and memories are no longerreliable, but admitting it was the real challenge. While thoughts may not be erased, they are frequently blocked from convenient recall, including very familiar faces, names, locations, and tasks.” Knowing that hewasn’t the onlyone dealing with cognitive challenges because of his MS, and because there was little-to-no assistance available, Jeffrey decided to take matters into his own hands. In 2006, Jeffrey released his first book, Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis. “It was the first book written by a person with MS from inside the mental twister of MS. While it was my MS story, I knew that many of the cognitive impediments were commonplace with other MSers. Someone had to open the discussion door. If people with MS could not understand the cognitive aspects of the disease and never discuss them with informed doctors, then they would remain untreated. Without acknowledgment of the cognitive obstacles, people would never reach for solutions, and then slowly lose pieces of their life,” Jeffrey said. Two years later, Jeffrey followed that with Jeffrey Gingold MS Focus Activities