Memory and Mood in Multiple Sclerosis (Prof. Anthony Feinstein [neuropsychiatrist] Interview)

Thank you! That was a GREAT interview!!! I have been struggling with cognition and my profession is very demanding on cognition, multi-tasking, short term memory, focus, etc. That and fatigue caused me to stop working and be very ineffective at work for 4-5 years. Although still a challenge, things have gotten better, thanks to a better DMT, lots of aerobic exercise, CBT (for insomnia and other MS challenges), improved sleep and keeping my brain active. It's good to see most of those things are backed by science and common sense.

Wow, this hit home!!! I am a Physician Assistant and can’t keep up!!! Thank you both for validating my over 20 years of MS

The biggest problem with cognitive testing is that it’s biased towards the neuro typical brain The test will not be accurate in any way to those who are on the spectrum. This testing aligns with public schools’ teaching methods and testing which fails to recognize how high functioning an MS patient’s neurodivergent brain actually is We need to do better

Thanks for this interview. I have a much better understanding of a possible cause of the frustrations I've been having over the past 10 years before my formal MS diagnosis. For example, I took a job that required a lot of multitasking, that I would have easily handled previously, and couldn't even keep up with the training. That failure baffled me. I felt so overwhelmed. The past makes more sense now. Today, I'm working hard to keep my mind active but I still see cognitive decline. Pretty scary. I'll be discussing this more with my doctor. Thanks for the information!

This was a great interview- thank you. I am currently on STD as I am frustrated with my Manager and he is frustrated with me thinking I should be able to do more or understand more. I think I am fine so there is obviously a difference of opinion. I had a full Neuro Psych Eval test before applying for this job. I have an appointment for a new Neuro Psych Eval scheduled for mid August and I will be on STD until that test is done and evaluated. It is just frustrating it takes 5 months to get into an appointment of this type. I think every person diagnosed with MS, especially those in jobs that require high cognitive function, have a neuro psych eval immediately and regularly to check for decline.

Thank you, This helped me a lot. I have long been unable to perform tasks that requires my focus while people talk to me, to the point where i get very agitated. Even though i am performing tasks that those around me are unable to perform because of there level comprehension.

Now that Ive been called out today in examples... Pre-ordered and looking forward to your book.

Very interesting. After not having health insurance for many years following my MS diagnosis, my next MRI showed (I never see the images, just read the reports) what they described as 'innumerable' lesions, yet the only flares I had all those years were short bouts of numbness that healed. I recently took a cog test and scored well and fortunately my MRIs are stable now, but I've definitely wondered about what that high lesion load means for the long term, especially cognitively. This was a great video with a lot of helpful information! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for such a thorough interview. Very interesting as always. I found my own cognitive issues effective me all the way back in high school where they thought I may have had A.D..D I wonder how often that happens with children diagnosed 🤷‍♀️

Really enjoyed this. Personally speaking-aerobic exercise gives me more energy and lasts longer (until fatigue hits) vs only strength training....just my experience. Both have changed my life for the better living with ms particularly improving mood. Off topic, your hair looks great Dr. B!

Thank you for the information.

Interesting interview, thanks as always Dr B 👍🏻

This was a great in depth conversation, thank you for doing this. #Sharingiscaring

And, I gave the BEST study out there. There's one from 2017 where "we" ranked 54th. Macedonia was 55th. Again, think long and hard about what you're doing.

This is so incredibly interesting! Thank you for sharing this!

Whatever I’ve had MS for twenty years I just want to get a good nights sleep. That’s been more of a problem than MS

I was wondering what to do about cog issues. I am trying to do games on my phone and puzzles. Reading nonfiction which I have always struggled with that. I used to be pretty smart.... Not the smartest in the cookie jar but I miss my old self physically and mentally. Thanks for sharing this interview!!

Great interview!

Speaking from my own experience, the Neuropsych testing that I have taken (twice now in 14 years), that the results are not that terribly different, although my MS has advanced significantly. The testing I took appeared to focus on doing singular tasks involving the different brain functions. I wish the testing would evaluate more Executive level thinking involving Multi-Tasking. I was a Project Management Office manager of a team of 8 project managers. I had to juggle my projects and the projects of my 8 PMs constantly, often being interrupted mid-task to weigh in intelligently on something with a clear decisive answer. I used to thrive with this. I was a high functioning Multi-Tasker. I had to retire, because I was screwing this up and becoming verbally abusive and at times incoherent when interrupted. Now I struggle to order my meal off a menu at a restaurant.

Thanks nobody has said it so well. Clearly. Thanx.