Information processing (dealing with information gathered by the five senses)

Memory (acquiring, retaining and retrieving new information)

Attention and concentration (particularly divided attention)

Executive functions (planning and prioritizing)

Visuospatial functions (visual perception and constructional abilities)

Verbal fluency (word-finding)

Cognition refers to a range of high-level brain functions including your ability to learn and remember information, organize, plan and problem-solve, focus, maintain and shift attention, understand and use language, accurately perceive the environment, and perform calculations.A change in cognitive function or cognitive dysfunction is common in MS — more than half of all people with MS will develop problems with cognition. It may have been your first symptom of MS. Certain functions are more likely to be affected than others:For most people, the changes in cognitive function are mild and may involve one or two areas of cognitive functioning. For fewer people with MS the changes in cognitive function will be more challenging.Certain functions including general intellect, long-term (remote) memory, conversational skill and reading comprehension are not likely to change due to MS.If you experience changes in cognitive function, compensatory strategies and tools can help you function effectively. However, cognitive dysfunction is one of the major causes of early departure from the workforce. Rarely, cognitive dysfunction may become so severe that you can no longer function independently.