Attention

I can’t seem to concentrate

Concentration can be more of an effort for some people with MS. This can be dispiriting if following a good book, or a good film, seems difficult. People with MS say that they “lose train of thought”,  “…can’t concentrate when all the family is here”, and they have been “feeling stupid as I lost the point is conversations”.  However, there are strategies which some people find helpful.

Tips and Tricks

• It is easier to concentrate when you are not tired, in short bursts and when you are interested in the information.
• Try to schedule important discussions at a time when you won’t be fatigued, or arrange to have a rest beforehand.
• If you want to read a lot of material, for example you enjoy reading novels, try alternating short bursts of reading with another activity. It may be enough to just put the book down and look away or stretch at the end of every page. You may find reading a chapter a day is enough and fill the rest of the day with other activities.
• It helps to consciously review what you are reading or watching at regular intervals. For example, if it is hard to keep track of the plot of a book, at the end of every paragraph you might try saying a few words to yourself that summarise that paragraph’s developments. If you are finding it hard to keep track of a soap, you might try reminding yourself of what has just happened when the adverts come on.
• If your attention wanders during conversation, you can always repeat or summarise what the other person had just said before making your comment. For example, you could say “I hear that you enjoyed your holiday in France, because the weather was so good. Have you ever been to France when it rained?”. It might feel a bit strange at first, but it will soon feel natural. In fact, this kind of summary when replying is used by professional interviewers and called “active listening”. You will find that your friends will feel flattered that you are paying so much attention to what they are saying.
• If you know that your attention is poor, think carefully about adding distractions to your environment. For example, using a satnav or listening to the radio whilst driving might not be a good idea.

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