Downloadable Resources
Wellbeing & MS
Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) enjoy participating in aquatic exercise. An aquatic exercise program is suitable for people of all abilities, can be adapted to your needs, and has a range of health benefits.
Matters of the mind can be difficult to accept and talk about. However, more than half of the MS population will experience some form of change in cognitive function (thinking and memory), which is often described as 'fuzziness' or 'brain fog'.
Many people with MS experience some form of bladder or bowel issues. Incontinence is the most common symptom for people with MS - the severity and longevity varies from person to person. With the right information and support, incontinence can be managed effectively to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Depression is common in MS. Around half of people diagnosed will have a depressive episode - three times higher than for the general population. Identifying depression and seeking early treatment is key. With the right information and support, depression can be managed effectively to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Driving a motor vehicle is a complex task requiring perception, good judgment, responsiveness and reasonable physical ability. Therefore, a range of medical conditions, as well as treatments, may have an impact on your fitness to drive.
Deciding whether to disclose a diagnosis of MS is not simple. In general, the decision should be based on your own needs and priorities, whilst also taking into account the needs and priorities of those who you choose to tell. There is no single answer or strategy that is right for everyone. It may help to take some time to consider the possible benefits and consequences of making your diagnosis public.
Regular recreation, active living and a personalised exercise program can help you to live well with MS. Exercise does not trigger a relapse (exacerbation) of MS or adversely affect the disease process.
MS-fatigue is described as an overwhelming feeling of tiredness, general weakness or lack of energy. It can occur after relatively mild exertion, such as a short period of walking. Unlike ordinary fatigue, MS-related fatigue usually occurs more rapidly, lasts longer and takes more time to recover from. It can be temporary or ongoing (chronic).
There are many benefits of fitness exercise, such as reduction in fatigue and prevention of some diseases (e.g. osteoporosis). Regular fitness exercise also improves heart and lung function, circulation to the feet, legs and hands, flexibility, and muscle strength and tone. In addition, increased fitness can enhance quality of sleep, mood and sense of wellbeing and can assist with a regular bowel routine.
The future is often unpredictable. Planning ahead enables individuals to maintain conteol over their affairs (and the welfare of their dependent families) if they are no longer present or unable to make informed decisions due to illness or injury. As such, there are a number of legal arrangements that are important for everyone to consider.
Fatigue is a common and frustrating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is not a highly visible symptom and its potential impact on people living with MS can be difficult for others to understand.
Approximately 60 percent of people with MS experience pain that troubles them or interferes with their daily activities. This pain can be caused by the MS disease itself - due to damage or changes to the central nervous system, ones, muscles or soft tissues - or by unrelated causes, such as an injury or other illness.
Having a baby is an important decision; however, given the complexity of multiple sclerosis (MS), this decision can become more complicated. This information sheet provides an overview of some of the more commonly asked questions about pregnancy and MS.
Spasticity is a general term used to describe overactivity in muscles. Muscles normally have an internal springiness, like a lightly wound spring. In a muscle with spasticity, it is as if the spring is wound too tightly. Spasticity can result in a feeling of stiffness and difficulty moving or unwanted, involuntary movement.
Studies have demonstrated that people with MS can prevent or reverse secondary weakness (due to disuse), improve their quality of life, and slow down progression of disability by engaging in strength training activities.
Heat sensitivity is a recognised symptom of MS. Many people with MS experience a temporary worsening of symptoms when they have an increase in body temperature, even as little as 0.5C. This can happen when the weather is very hot or humid, during exercise, sunbathing or while having a hot bath or shower.
Visual problems are often the first symptoms associated with MS. More than half of people with MS will experience at least one issue with vision. Identifying this and seeking early treatment is key. With the right information and support, vision issues can be managed effectively to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Information Sheets
When a child is diagnosed with MS, or MS has been suggested as a possible cause for their symptoms, parents may have many questions: What caused it? How will it affect my child? Can it be cured? What does the future hold? Childhood MS: A guide for parents aims to provide answers to some of these questions.