Comorbid conditions…are frequent in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and are associated with increased hospitalizations, greater disability progression, mortality risk, and contrast-enhancing lesions on brain MRI.
—Kowalec et al4
View references on Comorbidities/Lifestyle.
—Kowalec et al4
Several adverse health conditions are more prevalent in patients with MS compared with the general population.5,6
Other comorbidities commonly associated with MS include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid diseases, and epilepsy.2,7
View references on prevalence of Comorbidities.
—Zivadinov et al2
In patients with MS, comorbidities can have significant clinical consequences, including2,4,7:
In a prospective observational study of MS patients (N=885), patients with ≥3 comorbidities at baseline had a 45% increased relapse rate (RR) over 2 years compared with patients with no comorbidities (adjusted RR 1.45; 95% CI: 1.00-2.08).4
45%
increase relapse rate
Imaging studies have shown that patients with MS who have ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor have increased lesion burden and more advanced brain atrophy.2,8
Information about More Than White Matter
In a retrospective study of 3166 patients with MS, physical disability increased with each additional comorbidity.7
Numerous studies have shown that multiple sclerosis comorbidities can negatively impact the brain.
Cardiovascular System
Metabolism/Nutrition
Information about More Than White Matter
View references on impact of Comorbidities.
—Chiaravalloti et al21
A comprehensive approach to health in MS includes lifestyle changes to manage comorbidities that can impact disease activity.12
Diet
Diet quality is associated with disability status11
Patients with MS may benefit from healthy low-cholesterol and low-fat diets, which can minimize excess proinflammatory factors13
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep disturbance is associated with decreased memory, executive function, attention, and processing speed14
Sleep hygiene can help support CNS health11
Exercise
Aerobic exercise can positively impact the volume of key brain structures15
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplementation may improve cognitive performance16
Limiting Tobacco Use
Smoking is associated with decreased brain volume and cognitive impairment10,17
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Structured rehabilitation has shown cognitive improvement in clinical trials18
Mental/Social Stimulation
Reading and lifelong intellectual pursuits can slow Grey Matter loss and cognitive decline1
Mindfulness
Meditation may improve quality of life and be a beneficial intervention for stress and symptom relief19,20
View references on Lifestyle Changes.