MS Awareness Week: What it means and why you should get involved
Every 75 minutes in the UK, a person will be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects thousands but is understood by few.
This week people across the country are shining a spotlight on the condition through the annual MS awareness campaign.
Here is everything you need to know about multiple sclerosis as well as what you can do to make a valuable difference this week.
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What is MS?
MS is a disease that occurs when a body’s immune system attacks the protective layers around the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Whilst the brain typically sends messages to the body uninterrupted, the damage caused by MS disrupts these signals which can have a large impact on a person’s daily functioning.
Whilst the severity of the condition can vary from person to person, there is a long list of common signs and symptoms. These include:
- Loss of balance and dizziness
- Stiffness and spasms
- Blurred sight and vision loss
- Fatigue
- Bladder and bowel complications
- Cognitive difficulties and memory loss
- Limited independent mobilty
- Chronic pain
There are three identified types of MS which are knows as :
- Relapsing – Remitting MS (RRMS) : This involves flare ups of existing symptoms which is then followed by a period of recovery.
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) : This typically develops within 10 to 20 years of RRMS and whilst there are fewer symptom relapses at this stage, symptoms gradually worsen.
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) : This affects 10 to 15% of people with MS and in this type, symptoms worsen from the beginning without clear remissions.
MS can affect individuals differently and can be described on a spectrum of active, not active, progressing or not progressing. Each case is a unique story to the individual living with the condition.
Currently there is no cure for this long term condition but it can be managed through drug treatments like medications and injections as well as lifestyle changes. It is much more common in women and is typically diagnosed in people aged between 20 and 40.
What is MS awareness week?
Multiple sclerosis awareness week is organised by charities of the condition like MS society UK and happens annually.
This year it began on Monday 28th of April and will continue until Sunday 4th of May.
The seven day event is formed with the intention of bringing people together whether they are directly affected by the disease or not, helping people to navigate the condition, highlight accessible support systems and educate local communities.
How can people get involved ?
If you want to help someone who is living with mulitple sclerosis, learn more about the disease or simply get involved and show support, there are plenty of ways to join in MS awareness week and make a positive impact.
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- Social media : From Instagram to Facebook, creating and sharing posts online is a great way to spread awareness and using hashtags like #ThisIsMe and #MSAwarenessWeek can help build a stronger digital community people can access in times of need.
- Fundraising : Sponsored walks and bake sales are great old school ways to help fund MS research projects and treatment centres. They can be organised by yourself or you can join in a local event.
- Wear orange : When helping someone with MS or attending an event about the disease, wearing the colour orange which is associated with MS is an eye-catching way to show your support for the thousands of people living with the condition.
What is happening locally for MS?
