Preventive Healthcare in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

The health maintenance of women with diverse disabilities and chronic disabling conditions has been neglected by medical professionals. Interest in their basic health promotion has been eclipsed by the narrowed focus on their underlying conditions. We surveyed preventive medical practices of 220 women with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adequacy of preventive healthcare delivery for women with MS and to explore the adequacy of the detection, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis in this high-risk population. Our survey revealed that 50% of the women do not get regular medical preventive checkups. Twenty-five percent do not have regular pelvic examinations, and 11% have not had a Pap smear within 3-5 years. In women over 40 years old, 52% do not have yearly mammograms. Risk factors for premature osteoporosis in our sample included impaired mobility (53%), corticosteroid use (82%), and vitamin D deficiency as a result of avoidance of sunlight. Despite these risks, 85% have never had bone density testing, 50% are not taking calcium supplements, and 71% are not taking vitamin D. Among the postmenopausal sample, 81% have never had bone density testing, 50% are not taking calcium supplements, and 70% are not receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Only 1% are taking bone resorption inhibitors. The benefits of preventive healthcare and cancer prevention screening should be stressed to women with MS. Referrals should be facilitated by neurologists for dignified, knowledgeable examinations in fully accessible facilities. Osteoporosis prevention, screening, and treatment protocols must be part of the medical plan for all women with MS.

Bone health in ambulatory individuals with multiple sclerosis: Impact of physical activity, glucocorticoid use, and body composition

“…The resulting demyelination and transection of axons cause disruption of neural impulses, and neuropathic changes yield functional impairments such as abnormal walking mechanics, poor balance, muscle weakness, and fatigue. The resultant functional impairments lead to an increased risk of falling that, combined with low bone mass, can increase the frequency of bone fracture in individuals with MS [2][3][4][5].…”

“…Many women with MS do not undergo preventive healthcare or screening for premature osteoporosis despite increased risk as a result of decreased ambulation, decreased physical activity, and use of glucocorticoid medication [3]. Therefore, more information is needed to improve awareness of modifiable factors, specifically physical activity and body composition, that potentially influence bone health in the female MS population.…”

Preventive Screening in People with Multiple Sclerosis

“…12 Previous studies of health screening in the MS population have been limited to one gender or have not included a full range of screening measures. 2,4,7,[13][14][15][16][17][18] In addition, different sets of screening recommendations were used. The data from these studies, which often addressed other disabling conditions as well, have associated with a higher frequency of receiving preventive screening and counseling?…”

Dairy Products Consumption in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Useful or Harmful

“…Therefore guidelines in nutrition recommended specifically intake of 800 to 1500 mg of calcium from milk or other dairy products for promoting bone mineralization [22]. Spatially in women with MS, Osteoporosis prevention must be a part of the medical treatment plan [23]. Milk contains other fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A which has been shown to have some protective effects against multiple sclerosis [24][25][26].…”