People living with MS can acquire any other health condition and all new physical ailments should be thoroughly examined for solutions that may or may not be related to MS.
The most common comorbidities in MS patients are depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic lung disease. Other comorbidities include diabetes, cancers, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, spine and joint problems, and sleep disorders. There is no conclusive data showing increased risk of cardiovascular risk factors with MS, but due to greater sedentary behavior, MS patients are clearly at risk of vascular disease.
Comorbidities have been associated with a delay in the diagnosis of MS, more severe disability, faster disability progression, and a higher mortality.
Maintaining health protective behaviors is not only helpful in managing comorbidities, but is also critical in preserving the lifelong brain health of those living with MS. The most beneficial health protective behaviors suggested by the Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Quality of Health Care in America are staying physically active, eating fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking, and adhering to medication.
Implementing preventative care into one’s care routine is also important. Annual exams with a PCP should include a physical examination, medical history, and appropriate lab tests.
Dental hygiene is especially important for MS patients in part because of cavities and gum disease, but also because bacteria can move through the body quicker with the use of immunosuppressant therapies. Drugs used for pain, fatigue, bladder, and other spasms can make it easier for bacterial dental infections to develop. Some drugs make it easier for dental infections to develop, while others make it easier for bacteria to spread and lead to other complications.