Fatigue, cognition in MS patients aren’t barriers to healthy habits
Study: Mobility issues may reduce adherence to physical activity in long term
Three self-reported prevalent symptoms among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) – fatigue, mobility issues, and cognitive impairment – are generally not associated with lower engagement in healthy lifestyle factors, a study in Australia shows.
However, in the long term, mobility difficulties may significantly reduce adherence to physical activity, a lifestyle factor that may impact patients’ outcomes.
Adherence to healthy habits appears to be associated with fewer MS symptoms and slowed disease progression, according to the study. These include eating a high-quality diet, taking vitamin D supplements, engaging in physical activity and meditation, and not smoking,
“Determining barriers and facilitators for long-term adherence to healthy lifestyle may inform efforts to support [people living with MS] improve lifestyle engagement,” researchers wrote.
The study, “Self-reported symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis do not impact five-year adherence to healthy lifestyle,” was published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
MS patients with fatigue more likely to be women
MS is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the myelin sheath, the protective layer around nerve fibers that enables efficient transmission of electrical signals. This damage leads to progressive nerve degeneration and the onset of MS symptoms.
People who adhere to a healthy lifestyle, including a high-quality diet, stress management, and regular physical activity, appear to have fewer disease symptoms, slowed disease progression, and better quality of life, according to the study. However, MS symptoms may prevent long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle.
To further explore this connection, researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia conducted an observational study using patients’ self-reported health and lifestyle data obtained from the Health Outcomes and Lifestyle In a Sample of people with MS study. Nearly 2,500 participants were recruited online and detailed information was collected on their demographics, disease status, lifestyle habits, and health outcomes.
A total of 671 participants, the majority of whom were women (81%) and had a mean age of 46 years, were included in the analysis. The three most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue (43%), mobility issues (35%), and cognitive impairment (24%), determined at the five-year follow-up. Almost all patients reporting these three symptoms were non-smokers.
Patients with fatigue were more likely to be women, to have more than one coexistent condition, and to have clinically meaningful fatigue and use anti-fatigue medications. Those with mobility issues were more likely to be older than 58 years and have an MS diagnosis for over 10 years, progressive MS, moderate to severe disability, and fatigue.
The group of patients reporting cognitive impairment was more likely to have depression and take antidepressant medications, and less likely to have progressive MS and moderate to severe disability.
Physical activity declines for participants with mobility issues as top symptom
At the five-year assessment, participants experiencing fatigue were 27% less likely to engage in physical activities and 18% less likely to commit to at least three lifestyle factors.
People with MS who said mobility was their main symptom were 29% more likely to take vitamin D supplements and 28% less likely to be physically active. However, only the link with lower physical activity stayed true over time. Individuals reporting cognitive issues were 25% less likely to follow a healthy diet, however, this association was also not maintained over time.
Changes were also observed at the 7.5-year follow-up, with a 37% increase in the proportion of patients taking vitamin D supplementation, a 19% increase for those engaging in at least three lifestyle factors, and a 9% increase for meditation. The proportion of individuals engaging in physical activity decreased by 5%.
These symptoms, except for mobility with physical activity, were not barriers to engagement with healthy lifestyle.
When analysis at the 7.5-year follow-up was extended to the most important symptom, the only association that persisted was between mobility issues and reduced likelihood of physical activity, though an association was also found between cognitive function and an increased likelihood of being a non-smoker.
“These symptoms, except for mobility with physical activity, were not barriers to engagement with healthy lifestyle,” the researchers wrote. “While lifestyle modifications can benefit health outcomes in [people living with MS], it is important to discuss symptoms most relevant to the individual and how lifestyle modifications may be adapted to accommodate change in health.”
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