- 96% of people with MS are interested in lifestyle changes, but 73% say information is hard to access or trust
- Living Well with MS was developed with researchers, clinicians, and people with MS, addressing 11 modifiable lifestyle factors
- Launched at a special World MS Day event at Government House, Yarralumla, hosted by Her Excellency the Governor-General of Australia
Supporting the MS community through action
MS Australia’s commitment to empowering the MS community took centre stage this World MS Day, with the launch of Living Well with MS; a practical, evidence-based guide to support lifestyle changes that may improve MS symptoms and enhance quality of life.
The guide was unveiled at a special event hosted at Government House by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia and Patron of MS Australia. Speaking at the event, MS Australia Chair George Pampacos reflected on the power of community in driving progress.
‘This day — and this event — speaks to the heart of who we are at MS Australia. We are a research and advocacy organisation, but above all, we are here to represent the MS community,’ Mr Pampacos said.
‘It’s wonderful to see so many parts of that community here today, people living with MS, carers and families, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and industry partners.’
Why we created this resource: Listening to the community
The new guide was developed in direct response to MS Australia’s Research and Advocacy Priorities Survey, which revealed that while 96% of people with MS are interested in making lifestyle changes, nearly three in four (73%) find it difficult to access or understand trustworthy information about modifiable lifestyle factors.
Nearly all respondents (98%) said they would be more likely to make lifestyle changes if they had access to a clear, MS-specific guide grounded in the latest research. Living Well with MS was created to meet this need.
What’s new and different: A guide grounded in evidence and lived experience
The updated edition of Living Well with MS offers refreshed, practical content based on the latest research. Developed collaboratively with neurologists, MS nurses, allied health professionals, researchers, and MS Australia’s Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP), the guide explores 11 modifiable lifestyle areas including diet, physical activity, vitamin D, sleep, stress, and more.
It is designed to be flexible; people can read the guide cover to cover or dip into the sections most relevant to where they are right now. It is a resource to return to as needs evolve, supporting people at every stage of their MS journey.
MS Australia Research Coordinator and lead author Dr Jo Gamble said,
‘Living Well with MS brings together the best available evidence and translates it into something practical, encouraging, and easy to understand.’
Importantly, the guide features lived experience insights to ensure it resonates with the real-world challenges people with MS face. LEEP member and artist Deanna Renee shared,
‘I was diagnosed at 17. Everything felt uncertain, and the isolation and loneliness took a real toll on my mental health.
Being involved in creating a guide I would have welcomed as a teenager has meant a lot to me.’
A milestone launch on World MS Day
The launch brought together all corners of the MS community to mark the occasion. The event began with an address from the Governor-General, followed by reflections from George Pampacos, Dr Jo Gamble, and Deanna Renee. Guests enjoyed meaningful conversations and connection over healthy refreshments and herbal teas, made from fruit and herbs picked fresh from the Government House Garden that morning. The event concluded with a calming guided seated yoga session led by MS Plus yoga instructor Karen Ivkovic.
MS Australia formally thanks Her Excellency for her generosity in hosting the launch and her continued patronage.
Two guides, one goal: Better support for people with MS
Alongside Living Well with MS, MS Australia has also published a companion version for healthcare professionals. This clinician-focused guide distils the latest evidence and offers practical insights to support informed, holistic conversations about lifestyle in clinical care.
What this means for people living with MS
