Multiple Sclerosis Education in Assisted Living Ashland | MS Awareness Month

Assisted Living Ashland facilities are purposely made available to help people with multiple sclerosis live in a community that provides the support and independence they need.

March 10 to March 16 is Multiple Sclerosis Week, a global campaign to raise awareness about this chronic auto-immune disease affecting the brain and spine. The annual global event aims to shed light on how this chronic condition can impact individuals. Through educational programs, activities, and events, people living with the condition and their families will better understand and strive despite this challenging illness.

Let us come together and show our support to our loved ones and everyone with MS.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, including the spine and brain. In this condition, the immune system attacks the Central Nervous System (CNS) abnormally, affecting myelin, the fatty substance surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers. Due to this non-typical attack, the myelin nerve is inflamed and damaged, causing the abnormal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves.

Due to the nerve damage, several ranges of symptoms are experienced, such as numbness, tingling sensation, weakness, difficulty in balance and mobility, visual and cognitive impairment, fatigue, and the possibility of paralysis. The symptoms vary per individual and may come and worsen over time.

The exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis is not determined but is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, medical history, and environment. While there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, multiple treatments are available to help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve the quality of life for those residents in assisted living Ashland living with this condition.

With early detection, diagnosis, and advancement in medical research, individuals with Multiple Sclerosis can still live fulfilling lives.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

MS, or Multiple Sclerosis, is a neurological disorder that can be classified into 4 types based on the pattern of its progress, as defined by the International Committee on Clinical Trials of MS in 1996.

Clinically Isolated Syndrome

This refers to the first episode of neurological symptoms caused by the inflammation in the central nervous system. CIS is considered a precursor to multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of CIS vary from person to person. Still, people with CIS commonly experience weakness in the arms and legs, coordination problems, loss of sensation in the face, and partial or complete loss of vision in one eye.

While CIS is a precursor to MS, not everyone who experiences CIS will develop or progress to multiple sclerosis. However, it is essential to have a series of tests to manage the disorder and delay or prevent its progress to MS.

Relapsing-remitting MS

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS characterized by worsening exacerbations. Individuals with RRMS may experience different symptoms, but the most common are vision problems, weakness, coordination, and balance issues.

Secondary Progressive MS

Some people diagnosed with RRMS will eventually progress to Secondary Progressive MS, where symptoms worsen over time with or without occasional relapses.

Secondary Progressive MS is characterized by vision and cognition problems, difficulty walking, bowel and bladder problems, and numbness.

Primary Progressive MS

The less common MS of the 4 is characterized by worsening neurological function. In PPMS, symptoms worsen over time with minimal treatment, and in most cases, rehabilitation is required to maintain quality of life in assisted living Ashland.

MS and Residents in Assisted Living Ashland

Individuals diagnosed with MS who are beyond 50 are offered minimal medication options compared to younger adults. However, limited does not mean no treatment option available.

Consult your healthcare provider with the best treatment for your condition. Physical therapy can help build and regain muscle health, while occupational therapy in your assisted living Ashland space helps you move around confidently and efficiently.

Cognitive rehabilitation is another option to help with mental abilities such as memory and organization. When looking for assisted living communities, this option can significantly help individuals with MS.

Another type of rehabilitation is speech rehab, which improves communication skills, swallowing difficulties, and speech control, which enhances overall quality of life.

Looking for excellent senior care in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Oxbow Living!