I recently read comments from a couple of folks with MS who are so impaired cognitively that they require full-time aides, notes taped everywhere, someone to manage their finances, etc.

My heart goes out to those people. From what I've read, that degree of cognitive dysfunction isn't common, but it surely is sometimes part of MS. I found myself thinking hard about my own cognitive issues.

Sometimes we call it "cog fog", and that's how it manifests in some of us. That "just-woke-up" feeling, disembodied, cobwebs on the brain, slow-motion. Pretty common, from what I understand.

I realize that I tend to overstate my cognitive issues. I process information more slowly. I can't think on my feet as I once could. I have trouble sometimes finishing a thought, calling up a word or name, focusing on what someone is saying.

I DON'T, however, forget appointments or to pay bills, get lost in the grocery store, ask the same question three times in five minutes, or live in the fog full-time.

I tend to say things such as "I'm brainless" or "My memory is shot" or "I'm such a zombie." No, I'm not. I don't think anyone but my kids or my closest friends even notices. I think I "exaggerate" out of frustration. I USED to be quick-thinking, the one who remembered everything, faster than the contestants on Jeopardy, the Vocabulary Lady.

My cognitive dysfunction is upsetting, but mild (in the scheme of things) I see that more clearly now. And I'm thankful for that!