As with any disease, a good understanding of multiple sclerosis is the first thing families should have in order to provide the most appropriate support & care to seniors who suffer from it.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. In MS, your body’s immune system will go against its usual function (protect the body against diseases) and start to attack your central nervous system, in particular the fatty sheath (myelin) that surrounds & protects nerve fibres, and the nerve fibres themselves. As nerves fibres are damaged, the communication flow within the brain, and between your brain & the rest of the body will be distorted or interrupted, which manifest into a variety of symptoms such as weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision.

There are 4 disease courses that have been identified in MS:

• Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): considered the most common disease course as approximately 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with it. This type of MS is characterised by clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic function. The attacks (also called relapse, flare-ups or exacerbations) are usually followed by partial or complete recovery periods (remission).
• Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS): most people who are initially diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to this type. In this type, the disease will begin to progress more steadily (not necessarily quicker), and with or without relapse.
• Primary-progressive MS (PPMS): this type of MS is characterised by steadily worsening neurologic function from the beginning. The rate of progression may vary over time but there are no distinct relapses or remissions.
• Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS): the least common type of MS. PRMS is characterised by steadily progressing disease from the beginning & occasional flare-ups or exacerbations along the way. The chance of recovery from these attacks is low to none; the disease usually continues to progress without remissions.

It will be difficult for seniors who suffer from MS to enjoy a full and quality life. Home Instead Senior Care Outer East can help provide high quality care services for seniors with MS. Our CAREgivers are professional trained to understand the care needs of MS sufferers and are available to provide help & support 24/7. If you need help, please contact one of our friendly office staffs by calling 03 9754 4861 for more information about our services.

Thanks for reading through this Blog, I hope you have found it useful. If you require any further assistance please feel free to contact the office.

Kind regards,

Suzanne McLoughlin
Owner of Home Instead Senior Care Outer East

P.S. We provide free Care Consultations and resource guides to support and guide families. Download your free copies from our Aged Care Resources page or Request a Free Information Pack to receive a hard copy.