Cognitive problems are problems that relate to thinking and remembering. More specifically: understanding and using language, gaining an overview of a situation, making thought constructions, memory, planning actions, solving problems and being able to adapt an approach to a problem. Speed of information processing, memory, concentration and maintaining attention are often the symptoms of MS that appear the fastest and are the most noticeable in day-to-day life.

The severity of cognitive problems does not depend on the length of the disease, the type of MS, nor the severity of the physical impairment. Cognitive problems can occur at any moment over the course of the disease. Almost 50% of people with MS have cognitive complaints, but most of them suffer only mild to moderate cognitive disorders. A multidisciplinary approach to cognitive problems and a thorough analysis of the problem enables the best support and the greatest chance of success.