Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis

When attorney Jeffrey N. Gingold misplaced his wife on the living room couch, and became lost while driving just blocks from his home, little did he know that he was experiencing a hidden symptom of multiple sclerosis: cognitive difficulties. Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis is a courageous and compelling personal account of one man's anguishing struggle with this aspect of the disease. It was written for the silent majority of MS patients who are privately dealing with MS cognitive symptoms and potential disabilities.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates that over 400,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and there are millions more worldwide. Conservatively speaking, half of them will encounter varying degrees of cognitive difficulties. Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis brings this hidden disability into the open. It is an essential resource that will educate individuals coping with multiple sclerosis, and inform their families, caregivers, doctors and therapists."

"Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis" has an important place on the bookshelves of people with MS. Whether or not you are dealing with cognitive dysfunction (or are not quite sure), this is a heartfelt description of the daily struggles, the small and large losses, and the (sometimes embarrassing) emotions tied to the mental and physical challenges of MS.In the end, it is also a story of quiet victory and dignity in the face of this disease. I am very glad that I read it. You will be, too. -- about.com "Powerful and revealing, [Gingold's] is a story of denial and then acceptance, butwith no hint of surrender... He understands that each person with MS isunique and lays out a series of steps that allows people to find anindividual path. He challenges us to have four goals: get educated about thecognitive changes in MS; take action to make the necessary adjustments inour lives; reach out for available answers; and leave room for 'slow hugs.'--Inside MS "One of the best books [written on the subject] in some time. The writing is smooth, making his experiences visual so the reader can share in his private, cognitive struggles good read, especially if you suspect or know you have cognitive issues. This book helped me understand what could happen, how I could cope with it and certainly that I was not alone in the anguishit will help anyone with MS, their spouses, friends and physicians." -- MS World "The story [Gingold] tells is honest, intelligent, and often humorous. Throughout the writing he notes facts about MS and strategies for acknowledging and coping with the cognitive changes MS may impose. Readers with MS may relate to and learn from his experiences, while readers without MS may better understand the effects of cognitive issues and how one feels to suddenly encounter these perplexing symptoms."--The MSAA Motivator "Language laced with ironic humor and crisp images of a mental wheelchair express the devastation of what [Gingold] terms "smack-in-the-face" cognitive symptoms...Gingold's memoir is...a poetic testament to one man's courage."--Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers "Gingold's thorough research and compassionate voice will resonate not only with fellow patients, but also with their friends, families and physicians...He anticipates and answers tough questions with candor, sympathy and a surprising amount of humor, expertly debunking the shame and frustration commonly associated with the mental ramifications of a terrifying disease...Insightful and informative, Gingold's guide is a much needed resource for the often invisible side of MS." -- Kirkus Reports "Not only does this book explore the frustration and fear that accompanies living with cognitive symptoms through a very personal lens, it also offers practical tips and perspectives on coping with a myriad of symptoms, as well as navigating such issues as decisions about medications and communicating effectively with your healthcare professional. Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis is a book that will be of interest to anyone who would like to learn more about cognitive symptoms and the impact that they can have, but it also offers lessons in moving forward against the odds."--Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada ""Mr. Gingold's personal account is a courageous, compelling, and revealing look at the cognitive difficulties accompanying the physical challenges of MS. It is my hope that this book will both validate for patients and their families these more subtle yet devastating symptoms, as well as mobilize physicians to more seriously consider cognitive symptoms in their diagnostic work-up and comprehensive care of their patients." --Dr. Bradley J. Fedderly, Member, Board of Directors, American Academy of Family Physicians "Unfortunately, the cognitive effects of MS, although very real, are rarely discussed...Mr. Gingold's compelling and personal discussion about the cognitive effects offers new information and insights into a very real symptom of the disease. I believe Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis will draw an eager and large readership seeking new information and resources."--Colleen Kalt, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society--Colleen Kalt"President and CEO of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society" (05/03/2010)