Dr. Anu Jacob, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to mistakenly target healthy nerve cells and their coating in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, a patient experiences a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, muscular weakness, visual difficulties, and issues with coordination and balance. Approximately 2.3 million people worldwide are living with MS.
Dr. Anu Jacob, Staff Physician at the Neurological Institute and Director of Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi says, “MS is a long-term condition. But it is not a fatal illness. There are very highly effective disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that control illness and slow down its progression. DMTs work by reducing inflammation and preventing damage to the myelin sheath. It is important to understand that there are multiple ways to manage MS, which can improve most of the patients’ lives to normal or near normal.
If patients experience relapses even after being on DMTs, these relapses can be effectively managed by medications like corticosteroids and plasma exchange. These medications reduce inflammation and shorten the severity and duration of relapses.
Physical rehabilitation is also an important aspect of managing MS, as it can help improve mobility, strength, and coordination. Physical therapy may include exercises to improve balance, stretching to prevent muscle stiffness, and occupational therapy to help with activities of daily living.
“While managing the physical symptoms of our patients is the number one priority, our Multiple Sclerosis Program focuses on multidisciplinary care that also prioritizes their mental and emotional well-being. Mental health counseling is an important component of managing MS, as the disease can have a significant impact on a person’s emotional well-being. A diagnosis of MS can be overwhelming, and it is not uncommon for individuals with the disease to experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Counseling can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of MS and develop strategies to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook,” Dr. Jacob continues.
MS affects everyone differently, and symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience only mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms, thus impacting their lives differently. Additionally, the course of the disease can be unpredictable, with periods of remission and relapse. Therefore, keeping this in mind, patients can work closely with their healthcare experts to create a personalized approach toward health management.
Here are some preliminary lifestyle changes that MS patients can make, which can have a direct impact on disease progression and their quality of life:
- Eat healthily: While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for MS, nutritionists recommend a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. Limit processed foods, added sugars, and harmful fats. Obesity worsens MS.
- Exercise regularly: MS can cause balance, walking, and muscular weakness. Incorporating aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises into your routine can be beneficial.
- Manage stress: Stress worsens fatigue in MS patients. Consider yoga, meditation, exercise, or mental health help to manage stress.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and excessive drinking can aggravate MS symptoms and accelerate disease progression. Quit smoking and restrict alcohol consumption to improve health.
- A good sleep pattern controls fatigue: A good sleep cycle comprises a regular sleep schedule, a calm sleep environment, avoiding stimulating activities before bed, and limiting the intake of coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol. Exercise and a healthy diet also promote uninterrupted sleep.
Living with MS can be challenging, but with the right support and management, individuals with the disease can lead productive and fulfilling lives.
