2023-05-30 17:38:24
Health is probably the most important thing a human can possess. Often, when we have health, we do not necessarily realize how lucky we are compared to people who have serious health problems.
For example, have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you were struggling with severe physical and cognitive symptoms? Unfortunately, this is the reality that 90,000 Canadians with multiple sclerosis (MS) have to deal with every day.
MS is a progressive, incurable neurological disease that is unpredictable and targets the central nervous system, including the brain. The lesions caused by MS, which vary from person to person, can result in a wide range of serious symptoms, such as problems with vision, mobility and balance, as well as spasticity and numbness. In Canada, there are an average of twelve diagnoses of MS per day, and this disease affects three times more women than men.
Several risk factors seem to play a role in the onset of MS, but the causes of this disease remain unknown, which means that no cure for it currently exists. Research is progressing, of course, as evidenced by the existence of drugs that can slow the progression of MS. However, in the absence of a cure, people living with MS must continue their fight. We believe that these people need support, because no one should have to deal with the consequences of a degenerative neurological disease alone.
Thus, on this World MS Day, it is of the utmost importance to take stock of the support offered to people with multiple sclerosis as well as the progress of research devoted to this disease.
The importance of support and research
Indeed, in this post-COVID period marked by inflation and the shortage of health personnel, the needs of people with MS are multiple and constantly growing. Whether it’s psychosocial assistance, housing, home support, family caregivers or income and job security, the needs of people with MS and their loved ones are innumerable.
In addition, due to the aging of the population and the earlier diagnosis of MS, made possible by scientific advances, it is now necessary to support people with MS for a much longer period of their life, even during most of it in many cases.
The increase in the needs of people affected by MS highlights the urgency of investing more in research and ensuring the accessibility of treatments. In fact, only the advent of an effective treatment can put an end to the increased needs of people with this disease. A source of hope, such a treatment would certainly mark the beginning of a new era, that of a world without MS, where people would no longer have to deal with the reality of living with this incurable disease.
Moreover, we would like to highlight the work of our Quebec researchers as well as their reputation on the Canadian and international scenes. Many Quebec scientists are recognized by their peers internationally. We are very proud of them and we take our hats off to them!
do more
The MS community also wishes to salute the investments made by the Government of Quebec aimed at enabling the implementation of an effective reform of the health network. We would also like to point out that parliamentarians from all parties represented in the National Assembly are sensitive to the needs of people with MS or another progressive neurological disease.
However, despite this very timely sensitivity, it is essential to increase our investments in terms of research and support for people living with MS.
We would like to reiterate that the Quebec Division of MS Canada is here to help the MS community. We are present throughout Quebec and have the will to be a support player for people with MS and to collaborate with our public decision makers in order to find the best possible solutions and to advance research.
Talking regarding MS is especially important on World MS Day. However, it should be remembered that people who live with this disease must deal with it throughout the year. However, among these people may be members of your family, or some of your friends or work colleagues.
So we need help from as many people as possible. Make a donation and participate in our events, challenge public decision-makers and talk regarding MS. Everyone can play an important role in the fight once morest this disease. Together we can and must do more.
Diego Mena Martinez, Executive Director of MS Canada – Quebec Division
1685495553
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