Multiple Sclerosis or MS is an uncurable disease that is manageable. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves called the myelin. This disease can cause the following symptoms: numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms. (Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms and Causes, 2024) The amount of the population affected by Multiple Sclerosis is 2.8 million worldwide. (Walton et al., 2020)
There are several types of MS or multiple sclerosis. The first type is called relapsing-remitting MS, the most common type of MS. This means that the symptoms develop over days or weeks then improve partially or completely. This can be followed by periods of symptom remission that lasts months or even years. Secondary-Progressive MS is diagnosed 20% to 40%. This type of MS can develop with or without periods of remission and happens within 10 to 40 years of disease onset. The worsening symptoms varies in how severe the symptoms are and includes trouble with mobility and walking. Primary-Progressive MS is a gradual onset and steady progression without any relapses. Another condition that includes myelin called clinically isolated syndrome is also diagnosed as MS. The last coincidental diagnosis that appears on MRI findings is called radiologically isolated syndrome is the lack of MS symptoms but MRI images that look exactly like MS. (Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms and Causes, 2024)
According to studies published in the National Library of Medicine treating Multiple Sclerosis as we age becomes more difficult due to treatment becoming insufficient. Painful symptoms can be treated with carbamazepine, lamotrigine, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, and opioids. (Pöllmann et al., 2005) Other treatments for Multiple Sclerosis exist.
A caregiver can help with the complications of MS and old age. We can help with companionship, daily tasks that are instrumental for daily living, and errands. Caregivers can help with chores like doing the laundry, getting the mail. and washing the dishes. Finally caregivers can help with walking, transferring, bathing, and both evening and morning routines.
Citations:
Pöllmann, W., et al. “Therapie von Schmerzen Bei MS - Eine Übersicht Mit Evidenzbasierten Therapieempfehlungen.” Fortschritte Der Neurologie · Psychiatrie, vol. 73, no. 5, Feb. 2005, pp. 268–285, https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-830193. Accessed 25 Nov. 2021.
Óscar Fernández, et al. “Managing Multiple Sclerosis in Individuals Aged 55 and Above: A Comprehensive Review.” Frontiers in Immunology, vol. 15, 5 Apr. 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11032020/, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379538. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
“Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 1 Oct. 2024, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269.
Walton, Clare, et al. “Rising Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis Worldwide: Insights from the Atlas of MS, Third Edition.” Multiple Sclerosis Journal, vol. 26, no. 14, 11 Nov. 2020, pp. 1816–1821, https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458520970841.