Multiple Sclerosis

Understanding the Cognitive Challenges

LaRocca, Nicholas

Book - 2006

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Perseus Publishing

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates that more than half of all people with MS suffer some form of cognitive difficulty. Although symptoms and severity can vary, the emotional and social impact can be devastating. This invaluable resource, written for patients and their families, offers an in-depth discussion of cognitive difficulties, including changes that can occur; helpful strategies for dealing with their impact in daily life; and a detailed overview of treatment options.

Book News
Although several volumes are on the market about the physical challenges of multiple sclerosis, few exist to answer patients' questions about what MS does to human thought, the social and emotional impact of the changes, the nature of the neurological evaluation of cognitive symptoms, overviews of treatment options, narratives of real-life experiences and a very nice collection of references. The contributors are frank about the changes patients may expect and provide common-sense advice about meeting the cognitive challenges, which range far wider than one would expect. They provide some information that may be at the practitioner level, but the text is fully accessible to patients already involved with the management of their condition. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Springer Publishing
"Despite the prevalence of disabling cognitive symptoms among people living with multiple sclerosis, there is a dearth of literature on this important topic. Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding the Cognitive Challenges is the first comprehensive discussion of MS-related cognitive dysfunction, including the changes that can occur, their assessment and treatment, and strategies for dealing with their impact in daily life.

Written by two clinical psychologists with special expertise in MS, and with contributions by two leading neuropsychologists, the book answers all questions patients may have about their condition, including:

A definition of cognition and discussion of the processes that underlie human thought
The emotional and social impact of cognitive changes
The neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive symptoms
Detailed overview of treatment options
Vignettes describing the real-life experiences of a person with cognitive dysfunction
Extensive references to the scientific literature

Combining detailed, referenced advice with hands-on strategies for living, this is the only book to provide in-depth information about cognitive dysfunction. It will be an invaluable reference to patients, families, and caregivers, as well as health professionals who care for people with MS."