Cognitive changes with multiple sclerosis (MS) are fairly common. Most studies state that approximately 50 percent of individuals with MS may have some type of cognitive dysfunction, although some estimates are as high as 60 or even 70 percent. Individuals with MS who experience cognitive issues may have trouble with functions such as attention, information-processing speed, executive functions (decision making), episodic memory, and visuospatial abilities.

Many of us have been hit hard this winter with particularly cold weather and lots of snow – including Boston at 103-plus inches – but as they say in the literature, “hope springs eternal.” With this spring season upon us, we are all looking forward to longer days of sunlight and milder weather… along with other annual activities… such as spring cleaning! For MSAA, spring cleaning has taken on new meaning, as our headquarters is moving to a new location here in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Q: I was diagnosed with RRMS in August 2011. My baseline has been good and my neurologist said I would benefit from stem-cell therapy, but my internal medicine doctor said I don’t need it. Why would my internal medicine doctor not want to help me achieve my goal of returning to normal health?

In our Research News column, we strive to include any major MS news that has occurred since our previous issue of The Motivator was published. Although much of the information is no longer considered “breaking news,” it is still information that is vital to the MS community and was not available until after the issue date of our last magazine.

For more than 12 years, MSAA has successfully operated two programs that provide magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams for individuals who need assistance to confirm a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or track its disease progression. Through the expansion of new corporate support, MSAA has been able to combine the MRI Diagnostic and Institute programs into one service, as well as increase the number of clients served in 2015.

MSAA has spent a great deal of time in the last year considering the footprint we make in the MS space. We know there are many more people out there affected by multiple sclerosis than we are currently reaching. We know there are many more for whom a cooling vest, a walker, or an expensive MRI could make the difference in improving their lives. It is our mission to be a leading resource for the entire MS community. This has led to some big plans and some big changes.

I am, and always have been, one of those people who greet challenges with open arms. I actually don’t just greet them; I try and hunt them down before they even greet me. My motto has always been, “God will only give you what you can handle.” I have found out the hard way that this motto is way too true!

Three books from MSAA’s free Lending Library are featured.