World Multiple Sclerosis Day on May 30th creates an opportunity to boost awareness and connect those with MS to resources and improve support systems.
Whether you’re an individual or an organization, you can choose to focus on a variety of angles when celebrating World MS Day, including:
- Challenging social barriers and stigma that can leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and isolated
- Building communities that support and nurture people affected by MS
- Promoting self-care and healthy living with MS
- Lobbying decision-makers for better services and effective treatment for people with MS
- Connecting people affected by MS to MS research.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Today, 2.8 million people around the world have MS. MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condition. It is caused by damage to myelin – a fatty material that insulates nerves. In MS, the loss of myelin affects the way nerves conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain. Symptoms can include blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling sensations, unsteadiness, memory problems, and fatigue.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. MS is two to three times more common in women than in men. There is no drug that can cure MS, but treatments are available which can modify the course of the disease.
Since 2009, the Mulitple Sclerosis International Federation has sponsored World MS Day to raise awareness and provide resources for everyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis.
