The Problem Solvers

First recognized in 1868 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893), Multiple sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to the degeneration of the myelin sheath which protects the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

Characterized by irregular improvements and worsening of symptoms, MS with an average age of onset of 34 years is a major cause of chronic disability in young adults. The disease affects more women than men and is twice as likely to occur in Caucasians as in any other group.

Cause of Multiple Sclerosis
The exact cause of the condition is unknown but MS is believed to be the result of a complex combination of environmental, genetic, and autoimmune factors.

Emotional stress, fatigue, overwork, pregnancy and acute respiratory infections have been known to precede the onset of MS. A new epidemiological study from Denmark demonstrates that people with Diabetes Type 1 are more then 3 times more likely to also develop the disease than people without diabetes.

A family history of Ms and living in an area with a higher incidence of the disease (northern Europe, northern USA, southern Australia and New Zealand) increases the risk.

Diagnosis
Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose since its signs and symptoms may be similar to many other medical problems and can often come and go, sometimes disappearing for months and in fact a misdiagnosis of psychiatric problems is common. An MS diagnosis is made by the history of symptoms and a neurological exam, often with the help of tests such as an MRI or a spinal tap.

Tests to diagnose multiple sites include: Cerebrospinal fluid tests, including CSF, oligoclonal banding, head MRI scan, Lumbar puncture, nerve function study and a Spine MRI. Abnormal EEG findings occur in a third of patients and the white blood cell count may be elevated.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis
There are four main types of the disease: relapsing or remitting, primary progressive, secondary progressive and progressive relapsing.

Signs and symptoms
Signs may be transient or they may last for hours or weeks. They may wax or wane with no predictable pattern, vary from day to day and be difficult for the patient to describe.

Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body. MS can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, sensation, and mental functions.

Early symptoms of the condition include weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision. Incontinence, emotional swings, poorly articulated speech and sometimes quite bizarre symptoms are common. People with severe cases of may lose the ability to walk or speak and usually.Most patients have severe skeletal abnormalities and excessive muscle tensions.

Treatment
There is no cure for but treatment can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the number of relapses. Medications used to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis may include: Immune modulators to help control the immune system, including interferons, monoclonal antibodies, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone , methotrexate, azathioprine , cyclophosphamide , and natalizumab.

Steroids may be used to decrease the severity of attacks. Researchers are now also testing a vaccine that seems to halt the progression of the disease.

Taking vitamin D supplements helps prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression and may help slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of a new technology known as LifeWave patches can be very helpful.

Physical therapy, speech therapy occupational therapy and support groups are also useful while planned exercise programs help maintain muscle tone.

Dick Aronson has a background of 35 years in pharmaceuticals and alternative medicines, software development and human resources. He has for a number of years now been retained by companies looking to expand or needing to restructure. Publisher of numerous healthcare articles, some of Dick’s websites can be found at: www.life-wave-patches.com and www.healthinnovationsonline.comArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dick_Aronson

More than half the men and women over age 65 complain of at least one sleep problem, according to WebMD.

“As we get older, our sleep patterns change,” according to WebMD. “In general, older people sleep less, experience more fragmented sleep, and spend less time in stages 3 and 4 and REM sleep (for example, deep sleep and dream sleep) than younger people. However, regardless of your age, good restorative sleep is essential to physical health and emotional well-being.”

To improve the quantity — and quality — of sleep, RealAge.com offers the following tips from the National Sleep Foundation:

• Get up and go to bed at the same time each day, even on weekends. A regular sleep schedule helps you get better sleep and can even improve your mood.
• Tidy up. Coming back to an unmade bed and messy room at night can be stressful. Which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to wind down.
• Create a sleep oasis. Is your bedroom calm and comfortable? Everything from the paint color on your walls to the quality of your pillow can affect your sleep.
• Switch to decaf in the afternoon. It takes hours for the effects of caffeine to wear off, so try to have your last cup 6–8 hours before bedtime. Try peppermint or lemon tea for a pick-me-up that won’t keep you up later.
• Get some exercise. Working out regularly has been shown to help you sleep better and longer. Late afternoon is an ideal time. Before beginning or modifying an exercise program, consult with your doctor.
• Stock up on bedtime snacks. Small portions of high-carb foods like bread or cereal, or foods that contain tryptophan, like bananas, milk or peanuts can help induce sleep.
• Leave work at work. Before you leave work, make a to-do list for tomorrow. It will help keep your mind clear when you’re trying to sleep.
• Take a warm bath. A bath can be a relaxing nighttime ritual. Just be sure to cool off before you get into bed. Cool temperatures are better for sleep.
• Skip the nightcap. Alcoholic beverages may help you fall asleep; they also make it harder to stay asleep. Wind down with some herbal tea instead.
• Don’t work in bed. Or watch TV or eat or sort through your mail. Your bed should be associated only with sleep and relaxation.
• Use the 30 minute rule. If you can’t fall asleep within a half hour, get up. Go to another room and relax by reading or listening to music until you get sleepy.
• Breathe deep. If you still can’t sleep, try some deep breathing. Feel your stomach rise and fall. Count as you inhale and exhale. This helps you relax by placing your attention on your breath.

Source: www.badgerboomers.co 14.7.2009