With many debilitating illnesses and in particular with neuromuscular conditions, cognitive changes related to learning and remembering information can occur. According to the National MS Foundation, patients can have issues with memory, attention, executive function (planning and prioritizing) and finding words. Cognitive therapy, with a focus on maintaining thinking and reasoning skills, can help. Therapists give patients tools to help them compensate for cognitive sides with techniques like repetition, rehearsal of speech, improving planning skills and setting reminders. Cognitive therapy can often be completed by occupational therapists and/or speech and language therapists. Speech, language and swallowing therapy is another useful tool in treating patients with debilitating illnesses. In many cases with degenerative neuromuscular conditions, damage to the nervous system affects the muscles related to both speech and swallowing. Speech therapy helps patients develop techniques, both physical and mental, to help words come more easily, allowing them to communicate effectively and reduce frustration. Swallowing therapy can help patients learn to relax their muscles and adapt eating habits to make self-feeding possible as the condition progresses, keeping patients safe and independent.