Let’s Talk About It: Cognitive Changes in Neurological Conditions

Cognitive changes are one of the hardest things to talk about. They’re invisible, often gradual, and can bring up fears many people would rather not face. But they matter—because they’re common in neurological conditions, and they can affect how we plan, interact, remember, and stay safe in daily life.

Whether it’s a subtle shift in decision-making or a noticeable change in memory, it’s important to take it seriously. And not just for ourselves. Sometimes it’s those around us who notice first. If you or a loved one is spotting new cognitive symptoms, it’s always worth checking in with your GP or neurologist. These conversations can be the first step toward getting the right support.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What cognitive changes can look like in MS, Parkinson’s, and ABI

• Why these symptoms happen

• Simple strategies at home that can help protect your brain health

• How PhysiKits and PhysiHub can support cognitive wellbeing too

Common Changes Neurological Conditions

Each neurological condition affects the brain in different ways, but a few common themes show up again and again—especially with memory, attention, problem-solving, and processing speed.

Let's look at a few big conditions:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

About 65% of people with MS experience some form of cognitive difficulty. These usually show up as slowed thinking, memory lapses, or trouble multitasking. People often say it feels like their brain is "foggy" or that they’re not quite as quick as they used to be. These changes can appear early, even before a diagnosis is made, and are more common in progressive types of MS (Sumowski et al., 2018).

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Cognitive symptoms in Parkinson’s tend to begin subtly. Up to one-third of people already show signs of mild cognitive impairment at diagnosis, and this can progress slowly over time. Common problems include reduced attention, memory issues, and difficulty with planning or switching between tasks. These symptoms can sometimes be even more distressing than movement problems (Roheger et al., 2018).

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) - including stroke

The cognitive effects of a brain injury vary a lot depending on where and how severe the damage is. Some people have trouble with focus, others struggle with memory, processing, or self-awareness. Even after the physical injury heals, these symptoms can persist—and are often what make returning to work or daily life so difficult (Barman et al., 2016).

❗ A Quick Note on Safety

Cognitive symptoms can affect judgement and awareness, which can lead to safety concerns—like forgetting to turn off the stove, misplacing medication, or becoming more vulnerable to scams.

If you or a loved one is noticing these kinds of changes, it's important to speak to your primary doctor; a General Practitioner, Primary Care Physician, or Neurologist.

They can help with screening, medication reviews, and setting up supports like memory aids or in-home services.

Why Do These Changes Happen?

Cognition relies on a complex network of brain systems. Damage, disease, or disrupted communication in these networks can impact how we think, remember, and make decisions.

• In MS, inflammation and damage to white matter interfere with the brain's communication pathways.

• In Parkinson’s, changes in dopamine levels affect key brain areas responsible for attention and executive function.

• In ABI, the trauma itself causes physical damage, but swelling, blood flow issues, and chemical changes can add further challenges.

These are neurological changes, not character flaws. Understanding the cause helps to reduce the stigma—and gives us clearer ideas of how to help.

What You Can Do at Home to Support Brain Health

You can’t always prevent cognitive change, but research consistently shows that certain habits can help maintain or even improve mental performance over time. Three of the most helpful approaches are: mental, physical, and social activity.

1. Stay Mentally Active

Challenging your brain helps keep it adaptable. Some great options include:

• Learning a new hobby, instrument, or language

• Doing puzzles or crosswords

• Reading, writing, or creative activities that involve planning and reflection

In ABI rehab, structured cognitive training has been shown to improve attention, memory, and problem-solving. Even informal learning and hobby-based activity can support similar skills (Barman et al., 2016).

2. Stay Physically Active

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain. It improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and boosts chemicals that support brain health.

For people with MS or Parkinson’s, both aerobic and strength exercises have been linked to improvements in processing speed and executive function. It doesn’t have to be intense—even gentle walking or stretching makes a difference over time (Sumowski et al., 2018; Roheger et al., 2018).

3. Stay Socially Connected

Social connection stimulates memory, communication, and emotional regulation. It’s also strongly linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline.

Talking with friends, joining a group, or participating in a class can help keep your brain engaged. If you’re feeling isolated, even online communities can make a big difference.

How We Can Help

At PhysiKits, we know that neurological rehabilitation is about more than just exercise. That’s why our courses and Toolkit modules are filled with opportunities to build cognitive skills—whether it’s learning new movement strategies, using memory supports, or reflecting on progress in a structured way.

And if you're looking for a way to stay connected, PhysiHub offers a free community space to share experiences, ask questions, and join challenges with people who understand. Whether you’re living with MS, Parkinson’s, or recovering from a brain injury, there’s a space for you.

You're not alone on this journey. If you’re ready to explore more structured support, our PhysiKit courses and PhysiHub community are here to help.

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