Library Articles
Addressing the Language & Cognitive Challenges of MS
By: Janet DeClark, MA, CCC-SLP & Juliann Hanson-Zlatev, OTR
Cognition and communication challenges affect approximately 50-66% of those with MS. Impairment can range from mild to severe, but most MS-related cognitive changes fall in the mild to moderate range. However, even subtle changes in cognition can be distressing and can have a significant impact on daily function. Cognitive changes and fatigue are more common reasons for people with MS to leave the workforce than mobility issues.
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Prioritizing Your Time and Activities
By: Ann Mullinix, OTR/L, Can Do MS Programs Consultant
We all know what the word “priority” means. When living with MS, our priorities are focused on managing symptoms. Making time for activities that bring joy, fulfillment and improve our quality of life are neglected and moved aside.
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Staying Energized Through the Season
By: Cindy Gackle, OTR/L, MSCS, Can Do MS Programs Consultant
It seems to be all too common to take on too much during this season. Some of that can be managed by choosing your activities wisely. Use the following tips to shave off some energy expenditure.
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Fatigue Management
By: Can Do Multiple Sclerosis
Managing a hectic schedule can be a very daunting task. As our lives get busier we have to take into consideration many more factors. Organization and time management become essential to ‘getting everything done’.
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Turning Challenges into Possibilities
By: Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN, Can Do MS Nurse Educator & Programs Consultant
Here we are in a new year. For some people with MS, it will be facing their first year with the diagnosis. For others, this may be the second, third or fourth year living with MS.
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Cognitive Changes: Recognizing and Meeting the Challenges
By: Deborah Miller, PhD, LISW Janet DeClark, MA, CCC-SLP
It is fortunate that the MS community is increasingly open about the fact that this disease includes cognitive symptoms as well and physical and emotional ones. This opens the door for persons living with MS and their health care providers to assess if cognitive symptoms exist and how best to manage them. Based on a number of studies, it is estimated that 50% or more of people with MS will experience cognitive symptoms due to the disease.
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Environmental Factors and MS
By: Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN and Deborah M. Miller, PhD, LISW.
At the time of diagnosis, most patients are told that the absolute cause of MS and a cure are unknown. Hearing this makes most people feel a bit out of control concerning living with this disease. The reality is, however, that there are factors we know to enhance your health and to improve your quality of life. Knowing what some of these are gives you back some of that control and helps you to move forward by making some lifestyle modifications. We call that “control” empowerment and it truly allows you to make positive changes that will make a difference in your life.
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Aging with Multiple Sclerosis
By: Gail Hartley, MSN, NP, MSCN and Terry DiLorenzo, PhD
Approximately 25% of people with MS are 65 and older. The average older person with MS has been diagnosed for 20 years and is more likely to have a progressive form of MS. However, older individuals are less likely to have a regular MS care provider. In addition to MS symptoms, older individuals experience the typical changes associated with aging, which include having more physical health conditions, fatigue, weakness, pain, cognitive difficulties and need for assistance with activities of daily living.
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Managing Speech, Language and Cognitive Challenges
By: Pamela H. Miller, MA, CCC-SLP and Janet DeClark, MA, CCC-SLP
*Please note this library article has two parts, each answered by different MS medical professionals.
Difficulty with speaking clearly (dysarthria) may occur in up to 40% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Problems may interfere with how easily a person’s speech can be heard and understood. They are typically mild to moderate, or worsened intermittently by MS-related fatigue. Changes in voice quality (dysphonia) may also occur, resulting in hoarseness, breathiness, and/or reduced loudness.
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The ABC’s & XYZ’s of Daily Living with MS
By: Denise Nowack, RD & Ann Mullinix, OTR/L
Managing your MS is more than making doctor appointments, taking medications and using your energy to perform the activities that “should be done”. Making time for the activities that bring joy and fulfillment are important to improve health and overall well-being. Finding solutions that help you reclaim the things you love and enhance the manageability of everyday life can be easy as ABC.
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