MS symptoms can occur at the start of the disease course, impacting physical functioning, emotional well-being, and quality of life. As MS progresses and damage to the brain accumulates, increasing disability can impose a heavy burden on patients living with MS and their families.[3][4] Patients living with MS may struggle to maintain their normal work activities. A survey of patients with MS, which took place in 2017, found that only 35% of patients with MS were in active employment.[5]
* Based on patient respondents (n = 5 311) to the question ‘What best describes your employment status?’ as part of the Multiple Sclerosis in America (MSIA) 2017 Survey which contained 124 questions and was available to complete online.[5]
* Based on patient respondents (n = 5 278) when asked ‘which symptom affects your ability to function in your daily life the most?’ in relation to symptoms experienced within the past 3 months, as part of the Multiple Sclerosis in America (MSIA) 2017 Survey which contained 124 questions and was available to complete online.[5]
MS symptoms can also impact care partners of patients living with MS. In a study evaluating the effects of MS on care partners, fatigue, impaired mobility, bladder difficulties, depression, cognitive function and personality changes were all cited as stressful MS symptoms.[7]
Data from care partners (N=1333) of individuals in the NARCOMS* registry, a large natural history registry, a database that collects information from MS patient volunteers.[7]
*NARCOMS = North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis
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