Doctors ‘should discuss lifestyle changes’ with MS patients
People are unaware of the benefits of simple lifestyle changes for multiple sclerosis due to ‘widespread misconceptions’ about the condition, a charity has warned.
Clinicians should be discussing the impact of lifestyle when helping patients manage the condition.
A survey found a low awareness of the role of diet, exercise and stress management in improving life for people with the condition.
Overcoming MS said the results suggested thousands of people in the UK living with multiple sclerosis could be taking steps to help manage pain, reduce fatigue and even slow the progression of the disease but that lack of information could be holding them back.
The poll of 2,000 adults found that only one in four people believe that lifestyle choices such as giving up smoking, improving diet, exercising or reducing stress could make a meaningful difference for people with MS.
By contrast, 60% said the same for diabetes and 66% for heart disease, the charity said.
More than a quarter (27%) said they unsure whether lifestyle changes could help people with multiple sclerosis suggesting a major gap in public understanding.
The condition affects around 150,000 people in the UK, with approximately 7,100 new diagnoses each year.
A growing body of research indicates healthy behaviours can ease symptoms and may help slow progression, offering patients greater control over their lives.
It includes evidence that regular exercise or physical activity can help reduce the likelihood of MS relapse in some people, the charity said.
The survey also revealed widespread fear and fatalism around the condition, with 78% saying an MS diagnosis would make them feel fearful for the future and 58% responding that they would feel helpless and out of control
Unlike some other conditions, lifestyle approaches in multiple sclerosis are still often viewed as supportive rather than central, despite their potential to improve quality of life, the charity added.
Dr Kate Petheram, consultant neurologist at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘One of the greatest challenges with MS is that its symptoms and progression can look different for everyone and this may lead to an overwhelming sense of uncertainty for those with the condition about the path ahead and how best to manage their MS.
‘Alongside medical interventions, providing patients with the knowledge about proven ways that lifestyle changes can help manage their specific symptoms and give them a greater sense of agency in their treatment, can be hugely empowering.
‘With a growing body of evidence about the positive impact of lifestyle changes on those living with MS, it’s essential that these discussions are had with more people as part of their clinical care.’
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