Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis

by Jeffrey N. Gingold

The “thinking” disability of multiple sclerosis affects many people with the disease, who do not realize this invisible symptom — which disconnects mental pathways in the brain — is the cause of their confusion. When Jeffrey Gingold “misplaced his wife on the living room couch” and became lost while driving just blocks from his home, little did he know it was an effect of MS. Here, he documents his struggle, bringing a too-often hidden disability into the open. Written for the silent majority of MS patients who are privately dealing with the disease’s cognitive symptoms and potential disabilities, the book is also an essential resource for families and caregivers, as well as for physicians and other medical professionals who lack awareness of the issue. "Call-Outs" and "Perspectives" in each chapter help the reader recognize their own thinking difficulties, offering specific tools for coping and maintaining their vitality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography

139 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

About the author

Jeffrey N. Gingold is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning author, and published freelance writer. Jeffrey has been interviewed on national television, public radio shows, in magazines, and numerous global publications. He is an outspoken advocate for Holocaust education who shares his father*s epic survival and unforeseen life twists in the Warsaw ghetto. Jeffrey donates 100 percent of his author royalties from this publication to Holocaust education and research.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so appreciative of Jeffrey Gingold. I'm a physician with MS and was diagnosed in 2007 .. His book was one of the first I picked up and reading it was a huge "A-HA" for me as I immediately recognized many of the cognitive challenges he described - things which I'd never learned about in medical school or subsequent training... unfortunately, these ultimately led to the end of my career in Medicine. But, knowing about them gave me the opportunity to UNDERSTAND and PROCESS and make needed ADAPTATIONS in my practice for two years before I was forced to quit. Beautifully written. Much under-recognized though -- I believe in large part due to his writing -- better recognized now - the cognitive issues of MS are a very real and important part of MS to be addressed by patient and physician.. and to be understood by their families. This is the 3rd of the three books that I keep extra copies of to loan out to friends and to newly-diagnosed acquaintances as "must-reads."...

Thank you!

[Desirée Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to read to understand the nonphysical symptoms of MS. Jeff shares his experiences of this disease's ability to impact one's mental and emotional functioning.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much about the cognitive manifestations of multiple sclerosis and appreciated the readability of this book. While having been written almost 20 years ago, the book felt very applicable to today, and it made me wonder what the world would be like if we all went at a slower pace.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important book for people with MS AND for people with other diseases that impact cognitive functioning, as well as for their family members. I recieved this book after signing up for it as a librarything early reader. I was interested in it because I have Lyme disease, which is similar to MS in many ways (though not as persistent if treated early and thoroughly). The reason the book didn't get more than three stars is the poor organization. At times Gingold writes well and at other times he doesn't. Writing a book with impaired cognitive functioning is a huge challenge, so the flaws in the book aren't surprising but it does affect the pleasure of reading it.

It is primarily a memoir with tips at the end of chapters. It covers from his first symptoms, through diagnosis, additional problems, facing the need to change one's life permanently, the challenges of treatments, enlisting the help of others, and continuing to make the most of life with a disabling disease. This thoroughness will no doubt be helpful to those who are just starting to deal with a life-altering disease, whether MS or another. It provides a broad perspective of how one's life changes. At times, I had to get past the fact that Gingold has a very Type A, overachiever personality in order to understand his reasons for doing things (or not doing things). So this book will be especially helpful for people who have difficulty admitting they have any limitations because Gingold was one of those people.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried several books about MS and its cognitive challenges, and this is by far the one I'd recommend. MS can be rife with invisible symptoms, some of them much more disabling than the obvious, physical ones. This is the only book so far that has given me a really clear picture of what that can be like. Mr. Gingold is a lawyer who resigned from the law and went on disability because of MS when he could still speed skate. But in court one day, he failed to recognize his client. That's an unusual ratio of cognitive to physical change, perhaps. But his unflinching descriptions of the changes to his memory, his thought processes, and his relationships make this a must-read for anyone struggling with similar MS-related change and for the people who love them.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. The first chapter was surreal. As hard as it can be today trying to manuever a wheelchair, 30 years ago...makes me shudder!

This book flows so well and it really helps you understand what someone with MS can go through in their daily lives.

[Sue Stastny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that I will need to re-read, just to pick up on methods managing day to day issues. It was reassuring to read that I am not alone with some of hte 'features' that I have been experiencing.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Good description of what it's like to experience MS especially cognitive difficulties.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't what I was expecting. It was more or less a biography. I was looking for a book that gave me clear, concise information on the the cognitive deficits of MS.

[Donna Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 1 month after I turned 47. My grandma is 95 and has had it since she was in her 20s. I have been on Copaxone, the first year was daily and later was on 40 mg 3 times a week which was supposed to help me. It made a tremendous difference for me at first. Although the fatigue is what really gets to me. When I do too much I do start to feel weak, but I had no other choice because my neurologist said this is the only medication for MS. I quit my job because I was a liability, There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment. Around 7 months ago I began to do a lot of research and  was introduced to the Health Herbs Clinic and their effective Multiple Sclerosis treatment.  When I started the MS treatment I felt like a miracle had happened. Feel as good as I can feel. Started driving including on a freeway.  The herbal treatment is a sensation. “Just google openpaymentsdata and see how much your doctor is getting paid ! AWESOME!!! They make money while we suffer”  I Just wanted to share for people suffering from this disease, it’s a 10 out of 10 from me! I Adhere anyone reading this to try natural approach. Google Healthherbsclinic . com

[Shirley Givens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was living with MS for years before being officially diagnosed in 2021.  I got annual MRIs, and I did not take any meds due to side effects.  I had one flare up in 2021.  My legs decided to a break and I was numb from the waist down. I decided to try MS-4.  The numbness and Muscle spasms went away after a couple of weeks, but it took almost 3 months to walk properly without a cane.  In June, it will be four years without incident, and I am extremely happy that I made the decision to not take any meds and went for the MS-4 formula even though my neurologist got upset and one told me to quit my job because I will be disabled.  Well, I am not disabled, I still refuse to take those meds, and I am doing just fine.  Believe in yourself and go with your instincts.  Doctors don't know it all. I’m surprised a lot of people with MS haven’t heard of the MS-4 protocol, Visit uinehealthcentre. net I hope you find it helpful

[Shirley Given · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010 and put on Avonex immediately. I also discovered the Swank MS diet and went on it soon after being diagnosed. A few years later, my liver enzymes were affected and my neurologist said she had other patients who were just on the Swank diet, so I went off the Avonex and have just been on MS-4 from uinehealthcentre for several months now, 15 years after my diagnosis, my annual MRI shows no additional lesions, and I have no disability. All my symptoms declined. I work as a realtor and interior designer and am on my feet all day. I am 68 and going strong. Anyone who reads this I got the treatment from uinehealthcentre. net

[Kimberly Foulger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best MS book I have read thus far!! Gingold’s writing is accessible and full of understanding. His practical experience coupled with excellent advice is perfect. I am so grateful to have found a book that explains and examines the cognitive challenges I’ve faced. If you have MS or love someone with MS read this book!!

[Samantha Lazzari · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good to hear another perspective. It is good to know that I'm not alone in my fears or challenges. It got a bit preachy and glossed over some of the hardships that the writer went through. It maybe he didn't feel the same fear I do it he didnt want to scare MSers. All in all it was a good read.

[Jeanine Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband had MS-4 programme about 4 months ago. he sleeps soundly, works out frequently, and is now very active. It doesn’t make the MS go away but it did give him better quality of life. we got the treatment from vinehealthcentre .com

[Jennifer Marquis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book for relating to people with cognitive issues with MS.

[Salem Al-Hajeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for anyone whose living with MS. It’s a story of how Jeffery adapted to the changes he faced, and it’s quite inspiring. He presents certain tips for the difficulties he faced.

[Eric]

A must-read for anyone with a friend or relative with MS.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good view of the cognitive side of MS.

[Michelle Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a truly informative book.