Motor deficits affect the body but there is still a sense that the mind is intact. However, when one experiences cognitive deficits, that sense begins to disappear. Every attitude that society associates with a lack of motor control also applies to cognitive dysfunction, except now, some of it is true. The mind is one of the most important indications of individuality. No two people have exactly the same thoughts, emotions, personality traits, or even soul.
People guard their mental functioning closely.
This is a very dangerous mode of thinking for the patient. At a time when they are losing control of their body, they do not also need the extra burden of believing that they are also losing control of their mind. However, Britell acknowledges that a failure to remember or concentrate is not a sign of a decline in intellect. In fact, a decline in intellect is one of the rarest cognitive dysfunctions. She notes that people with MS retain their abilities with regard to intelligence tests.