While there’s no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are diagnosed with the condition – upwards of 400,000 individuals, in fact, and of that, 86 percent of those aging with MS note fatigue as the most common symptom they’re experiencing. The cause of multiple sclerosis is as yet not known; it is not a communicable disease or known to be directly inherited, but elements that may come into play include the following below. Contact us online for call us at (215) 826-7422 to learn more about how we can help seniors with MS.
- Gender – Women are impacted more than twice as often as males
- Age – The majority receive a diagnosis between the ages of 20 and 50
- Geography – Most individuals with multiple sclerosis live in temperate environments
- Ethnic background – Caucasians are at a higher risk
It is thought that MS symptoms are caused when an immune system attack has an effect on myelin, the protective insulation surrounding nerve fibers of the central nervous system. For individuals with multiple sclerosis, myelin is destroyed and replaced by scars of tough sclerotic tissue. Some underlying nerve fibers are completely severed, and the deterioration is experienced in a number of places inside the central nervous system — giving the disease its name.
While we await a cure, there are a wide array of options for treatment presently accessible to help those aging with MS. Drugs can change the disease course, treat relapses, and control symptoms, enhancing quality of life and comfort for individuals with multiple sclerosis. These medications typically include:
Disease Course Modification:
- Injectable medications such as interferon beta 1a and 1b, glatiramer acetate, and peginterferon beta 1a
- Oral medications such as teriflunomide, fingolimod, cladribine, siponimod, dimethyl fumarate, and diroximel fumarate
- Infused medications such as alemtuzumab, mitoxantrone, ocrelizumab, and natalizumab
Relapse Management:
- IV or oral corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, and ACTH
Symptom Management:
- Bladder dysfunction
- Bladder infection
- Bowel dysfunction
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Emotional difficulties
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Pain
- Sexual difficulties
- Tremors
- Walking difficulties
- And more
Additionally, various non-medicinal therapeutic and technological developments can be helpful, as well as personalized in-home care services , which will make life more comfortable, easier, and safer for those with multiple sclerosis.
Effraim Home Care is always here for you to offer a free in-home consultation and development of a customized plan of care to help overcome any obstacles being experienced by an individual aging with MS. Whether the need is for just a couple of hours of help with housekeeping and companionship, full-time, live-in care to enhance safety and to prevent falls, or anything in between, our professional, compassionate caregivers are fully trained and experienced in meeting a full range of multiple sclerosis and personal care needs in Reading and its surrounding areas. Contact us any time at (215) 826-7422 or fill out our online contact form and discover why we’re one of the top home health agencies in Reading, PA and other nearby areas. For more information regarding all of the areas we serve in Pennsylvania, please visit our Locations Served page.
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