Recently I received some letters from our readers whose experiences with both cognitive and emotional issues confirm the importance of dedicating this issue of MS in Focus to a comprehensive discussion of these difficult problems.

“I’ve noticed recently that sometimes I get tearful over things that are moving, but not THAT moving! Also, if I get upset I can’t stop crying for ages. I suppose it’s just one more thing that MS has changed, but is there anything I can do about it?"

“I was a lawyer working at the peak of the intellectual food chain…when an MS attack roared out of nowhere and cognitive decline forced me into permanent disability status. At the age of 52 I cannot work at all due to cognitive disability! The depression is bad. I also have seizures. But mostly I have no place in the world.” “I have been diagnosed for over three years now and I feel as if the depression and anxiety have become unbearable at times. I am on a disease-modifying therapy, which seems to help, but taking the injections and managing the depression is almost impossible.” As these accounts reveal, each person’s experience with cognitive and emotional changes is very personal. For many, these types of problems are even more difficult to confront and accept than the physical symptoms of MS. Since cognitive and emotional difficulties are often misunderstood by the person who experiences them and also by others, they can create complications in relationships, in the workplace and for the self-esteem of the individual. For many people, dealing effectively with cognitive or emotional challenges will require significant life changes. The key lies in understanding that these difficulties can be part of MS, identifying them accurately and in a timely manner and seeking the support and information necessary for dealing with them effectively.

On behalf of the Editorial Board, we hope that this issue of MS in Focus helps readers to understand the complexities of cognitive and
emotional problems.
I look forward to receiving your comments.

Michele Messmer Uccelli
Editor