Why Do People Get Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS as it is commonly called, is a disease in which the immune system attacks the tissue that covers the nerves.
When the protective tissue, called myelin, is damaged the ability of the nerves to function properly is affected. As a result, people with MS can become disabled, requiring assistance to perform daily tasks. If you have a family member who was recently diagnosed with MS or whose care you have recently taken over, you may have many questions about the disease, including what causes it.
Home Care Services in Warren County VA: Multiple Sclerosis
General Information About MS
MS is typically diagnosed in people who are between the ages of 16 and 55. However, it can happen at any age. It is also a lifelong disease that cannot be cured, so there are people of all ages living with the condition.
Most people have a kind of MS called relapsing-remitting MS. With this kind, the person has periods during which new symptoms appear or existing symptoms get worse. Then, the disease quiets down and the person goes into remission for a while, perhaps even years.
Between 60 and 70 percent of people with relapsing-remitting MS eventually, experience a change in their symptoms so that they progress in a steady manner. This is called secondary-progressive MS. How the disease progresses and how quickly varies from one person to the next. Many people develop mobility problems.
Possible Causes of MS
Unfortunately, the exact reason that some people get MS hasn’t been determined yet. However, scientists have discovered possible links between certain factors and the development of MS. Some of the connections they have found are:
-Environment: Research shows that people who live in certain parts of the world have a higher risk of getting MS. Specifically, MS is more common in people who live further away from the equator. Some researchers believe that this indicates that vitamin D may play a role because the body produces it when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
-Infection: It’s possible that infection with certain viruses may trigger MS. This thought stems from the fact that some viruses damage the body in ways similar to MS. These viruses resemble nerve cells and cause the immune system to create antibodies to fight them. When the infection is gone, the antibodies continue to mistakenly attack nerve cells.
-DNA: Scientists have discovered gene variations that seem to be connected to MS. However, it is not considered a genetic disease, so it isn’t one that is passed down through families.
If you have a family member with MS, home care can help them to remain safely at home when others cannot be with them. A home care provider can assist them with household tasks that are difficult because of MS symptoms, such as cleaning the house and cooking meals. Home care providers can also help with other care aspects, such as dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Warren County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
Sources
Verywellhealth.com
Mayoclinic.org
Webmd.com
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