| Problems with concentrating are relatively common for people
with multiple sclerosis. For some, this is so mild as to be barely noticeable.
For others however, impaired concentration can be very problematic and
present everyday difficulties.
There is no relationship between the
level of disability or other symptoms, and cognitive symptoms such as
concentration.
As with many aspects of multiple sclerosis, the 'unseen' or invisible
nature of concentration difficulties may cause problems with friends,
family or work colleagues who can feel that a lack of attention is a
deliberate or willful decision to consciously ignore them or a work
task.
Concentration and Mental Fatigue
Becoming mentally fatigued when trying to concentrate is common.
When this occurs, despite initially being able to concentrate on the
task to hand, mental fatigue soon sets in and the person finds
it almost impossible to maintain concentration levels.Often, people who have multiple sclerosis find that they can only
work on one thing at a time and that environmental distractions such
as in the office or at home interferes with their ability to maintain
concentration.
This is often in complete contrast to how they were
before they became ill when they were able to keep their attention focused
while answering phones, listening to the radio and working at their
computer all at the same time.
Being unable to concentrate can make learning new things a slow
and laborious process for people with multiple sclerosis and it is thought
that some people with ms can be slower to learn new things than a healthy
counterpart because of their lessened ability to maintain concentration.See
cognitive dysfunction for more information. |
