Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week—Join the Movement!

March 9th, 2007 by Ami Icanberry

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In light of MS Awareness Week, which runs from March 5 to March 11, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is urging Americans to join the movement to help end—once and for all—the devastating effects of the disease. While most people who have MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, those as old as 75 have developed the disease. Moreover, an estimated 400,000 Americans have MS, and another 200 are diagnosed each week, according to the society. This means plenty to seniors with MS.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

The society states that multiple sclerosis is a chronic and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, thought to be an autoimmune disorder. The brain, spinal cord and optic nerves comprise the central nervous system, which is protected by a fatty tissue called myelin. In MS, myelin is depleted resulting in sclerosis, or lesions. This means in effect that the immune system attacks a person’s healthy tissue.

Among the symptoms seniors with MS might experience are weakness, fatigue, difficulty controlling bladder or bowels, tremors, double vision, slurred speech, lack of coordination and paralysis. Fortunately, MS is not considered a fatal disease, as the majority of people who have it live a normal lifespan. Reducing the struggle to have a good quality of life is a mission of the MS Society, and it’s my mission to share with those of you who battle the disease some of the society’s tips for relief.

While there is no cure for MS some of these strategies might help decrease its effects:

Decrease stress—Try meditation, counseling, yoga,or anything that helps you to relax to reduce the anxiety and tension that can worsen the symptoms of MS.
Eat well—Enjoy a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies. Reduce the intake of saturated fats, which actually promote inflammation and suppress the immune system. Eat lots of essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in oily fish including mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout and herring and flaxseed oil. EFAs help to prevent inflammation and enhance the immune system.
Exercise—It relieves stress, firms up muscles for a good range of motion and increases bone density. Try pool exercises, which don’t wear on your joints.
Stay comfortable—People who have MS, especially seniors, can become easily overheated in the warmer months. Use air conditioning, fans and dress lightly.
Ask for help—If you don’t want to feel as if you’re imposing on family and friends, try support groups, homecare services and counseling sessions.
Don’t overdo it—Pace yourself on the activities of daily living and the things you like to do every day, allowing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

Here are some home safety tips for seniors living with MS:

Install a shower bench so you are able to sit while showering, to prevent slipping.
Avoid using throw rugs as they are easy to trip over.
Keep bathroom door unlocked in case of an accident.
Use a cane or a wheelchair if needed.
Avoid low chairs as they are more difficult to rise out of. If you use a wheelchair, try to have furniture at the same level to ease transfer from one to another.

Opportunities to make your mark in the fight to end MS are practically endless, thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Contact your local chapter to find out what you can do to help. Plenty of events ensure that everyone can participate. The Gilbert Guide Team has ridden in Waves to Wine since 2003. We hope to see you there this year!

Making a difference together—

Ami Icanberry

Posted in: Senior Care News, Senior Health