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MS Trust launches StayingSmart

Way Ahead 2009;13(3):1

The MS Trust is delighted to launch StayingSmart, a web-based resource to support people living with MS who experience cognitive difficulties.

StayingSmart website

Working in collaboration with Dr Dawn Langdon, Reader in Neuropsychology at Royal Holloway, the MS Trust has developed a resource relating to an aspect of MS about which information can be hard to find and symptoms frightening.

StayingSmart aims to:

  • support people learning about cognition;
  • build confidence in managing cognition in MS; and
  • facilitate sharing of knowledge about, and experiences of, cognition in MS.

Cognitive problems have been demonstrated in 43% of a community sample and 59% of a clinic sample of people with MS. When experiencing cognitive problems, people with MS often report that thinking straight has become more difficult. Everyday tasks that need memory or concentration can become frustrating when thinking glitches interfere. People with MS have described this as "fuzzy thinking", "woolly head", or "not so sparky". Everyone's experience is different, but the most common problems involve memory and concentration.

The website is easy to use and the information is presented in a very accessible format. Examples of everyday problems such as, 'I forget to take my tablets' offer users an easy way in to the parts of the resource that are relevant to them and points to the tips, tricks, gadgets and gizmos that may be useful for that particular problem. Areas of cognitive impairment covered include; memory, attention, wayfinding, finding things, language and executive skills. Within each section, users can access different levels of information ranging from brief explanations to guidance on where to get professional help, discussion of the impact other factors can have on cognition, and links to other resources. Users are also encouraged to share their own experiences or tips with other users of the resource.

Commenting on the impact of cognitive problems, Dr Dawn Langdon said, "Besides the visible, physical symptoms of MS, people with the condition may experience difficulty remembering things or concentrating. These and related issues can be hard to recognize and understand."

The versatility of the resource means that it can be used by people with MS, their families, and health professionals independently; or by people with MS in partnership with their health professionals.

StayingSmart can be found at www.stayingsmart.org.uk. If you would like to pass on information about the resource, reminder cards featuring information about StayingSmart are available from the MS Trust.

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