By Dr Netravathi M
In the intricate tapestry of life, unforeseen challenges often emerge, demanding resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering spirit. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a complex neurological condition, is one such challenge that affects millions of lives worldwide. However, within the mosaic of uncertainty, stories of triumph, resilience, and empowerment unfold.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) presents unique challenges that can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. This chronic autoimmune disease targets the central nervous system, leading to a variety of symptoms that can affect mobility, sensation, and overall well-being. It requires a holistic approach focusing on physical and emotional health, resilience, and adaptation.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) profoundly impacts the lives of individuals who live with it, characterized by a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive challenges, emotional struggles, and physical limitations. These challenges significantly affect their overall quality of life. Individuals with MS may experience a range of mobility issues, from mild walking difficulties to complete paralysis requiring full-time use of a wheelchair. Sensory impairments like numbness, tingling, or even complete loss of sensation in certain areas are also common. Additionally, cognitive changes including memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and impaired problem-solving abilities further compound the challenges. The unpredictable nature of the disease, characterized by unpredictable relapses and remissions, makes managing symptoms and planning for the future particularly challenging.
Commencing treatment early in multiple sclerosis (MS) is vital as it slows disease advancement, minimizes relapse severity, and effectively manages symptoms. This approach prevents irreversible neurological damage, postpones disability progression, and facilitates prompt adjustments to treatment strategies, leading to enhanced long-term outcomes and patient well-being. Research into new treatment modalities, including disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and regenerative medicine approaches, holds promise for slowing down disease progression and even reversing disability in some cases.
Initiating disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) early is crucial for effective MS management. DMTs can help reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, as well as it slows down the progression of the disease, In, addition to medication, adopting a healthy lifestyle also plays a significant role in managing MS symptoms and promoting overall well-being. Here are some lifestyle tips and strategies for living well with MS:
Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve strength, balance, and coordination while also combating fatigue and depression. Try everyday tasks like gardening or walking a dog. Practicing yoga can also help offer balance, flexibility, and stress relief and is best suitable for anyone with MS.
Balanced Diet: A nutritious, balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being. It’s important to include nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, to support overall health and manage MS symptoms and stay adequately hydrated.
Stress Management: Persistent and prolonged stress keeps the immune system in a heightened state of alertness. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness, and seeking social support can help in reducing the impact of stress on MS symptoms.
Prioritize Rest: Sleep disturbances are commonly experienced by individuals with MS, manifesting as insomnia, nocturia (frequent nighttime urination), narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome, affecting more than half of MS patients. Getting enough rest and quality sleep is crucial in MS. Consistently adhering to a sleep schedule, establishing a comfortable sleep environment, and refraining from stimulating activities before bedtime are effective strategies that individuals with MS can adopt to improve their sleep.
Enhancing Cognitive Health: Participation in mentally stimulating and challenging activities promotes personal development, creativity, and problem-solving skills. MS can impact cognitive functions, with about 65% experiencing changes in areas like processing speed, memory, and attention. Just as physical exercise benefits the body, mental stimulation keeps the mind active and alert, even in the face of MS-related changes.
Practice self-care: Empower yourself to take control of your health and well-being. Incorporate self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation into your daily routine. Whether it involves pursuing hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or spending quality time with loved ones, prioritizing your well-being is essential.
Living well with multiple sclerosis requires a comprehensive approach that includes medication, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing support from healthcare providers and loved ones. By implementing these lifestyle tips and strategies, individuals with MS can better manage their condition and improve their overall quality of life.
(The author is a Professor, Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS). Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)