What are some ways to improve my memory if I have multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Here are some ways to improve your memory and concentration if you have multiple sclerosis (MS): Write reminder notes, and put them where you will be sure to see them. Buy a small spiral notebook and a small pen or pencil that you can stick in the spiral binding and keep the notebook in your purse. Or wear a gardener's apron in the house; its generous front pockets are the perfect place to keep your notebook and pencil.

Put small items in the extra pockets to hold those items (reading glasses, portable phone, a timer, etc.) that you want to keep handy throughout the day. If you like gadgets, purchase an electronic organizer (often called a personal data assistant or PDA) and use it to keep your address and appointment books, notes, and to-do lists. Use a timer or alarm clock that you have to physically turn off, as opposed to one that rings only once.

Program your pager or cell phone with reminders, such as when to take your medications, move the sprinkler in the yard, or perform certain job-related tasks, like attending a staff meeting. To remember to take a medication first thing in the morning, put the pill bottle in your slipper. Before you can put on your slippers, you must remove the pill bottle.

Try creating a word from the first letter of each item on your to-do list. For example, C-R-O-W might mean: Call for airline tickets, Return library books, Order birthday cake, Water plants. Use an audiocassette tape player to record daily tasks; microrecorders are small enough to fit in a standard shirt pocket.

If you have trouble remembering whether you have done a task-- remind yourself out loud as you do it. For example, as you leave the house and are locking the door, say "I'm locking the door" out loud and see if that helps your memory. Think over the route for the stops on your errand trips before you leave; write them down if you are prone to forgetting the sequence.

When you are out and about and want to remember to do something when you return home, call yourself and leave a message on your answering machine. If remembering and writing down numbers quickly presents a problem, keep a calculator near the phone and use it to "write down" a number left on the answering machine. To improve your ability to add and subtract numbers in your checkbook, say the numbers out loud as you work the equation.

You might also consider using a money-management computer software program that does the math for you.

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