Recognize and treat other causes of cognitive loss so you can make the most of your memory and thinking abilities. Indeed, the first sign of depression may be an awareness of slowed thinking or a feeling that memory is failing. Depressed people become preoccupied with negative thoughts, so that even normal memory lapses seem ominous. The misery of depression interferes with personal interactions, and with learning. Since so many MSers become depressed as a direct consequence of the disease itself, it is often hard to know whether cognitive loss is due to depression or to damaged cognitive pathways in the brain.
Depression is treatable.
The body proceeds on automatic pilot, while the mind is free to enjoy the scenery and remember conversations along the way. MSers may remember vividly the frustrating lack of curb cuts, inaccessible bathrooms, impatient clerks and long detours to elevators, while they never even noticed things that seemed so important to their companions. Help your mind by freeing it from concerns for mobility. Use mobility aids that work. Limit the number of things you try to do at one time.