Managing Comorbidities – HCP

  • MSNZ
  • Managing Comorbidities – HCP
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Many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are also living with other health conditions – known as comorbidities. These can range from depression and anxiety to vascular illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes. In fact, it’s common for people to have at least one other diagnosed health condition at the time of their MS diagnosis, and the likelihood increases with age.

Why Managing Comorbidities Matters?

Delayed diagnosis

Some comorbidities can make it harder to diagnose MS.

Worsening symptoms

Comorbidities can increase disability, fatigue, and pain.

Treatment challenges

Some conditions may affect which MS treatments are safe or effective.

Quality of life

Managing comorbidities helps you feel better and stay active.

MS is a complex condition

Comorbidities add further complexity. That’s why it’s so important to identify and manage them early and throughout life with MS.

What Can You Do?

1. Identify comorbidities early

Identify comorbid conditions as early as possible. Consider screening patients for common comorbidities such as depression, anxiety and vascular conditions at the first assessment after diagnosis.

  • Explain that comorbid conditions can affect their disease progression.
  • Encourage patients to take any medications prescribed for comorbidities.
  • Provide educational materials and support to enable patients to live a brain-healthy lifestyle.

Keep Physically Active

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Keep Mentally Active

Avoid Smoking

Limit Alcohol Intake

Take Your Medication for Comorbidities

  • Discuss and refer to relevant MDT to optimise symptom management for MS and any comorbidities.
  • Contact with your patients’ specialists care providers to highlight challenging MS symptoms or comorbid conditions.
  • Review of medications to optimise effect and minimise side effects.
  • The safety, tolerability and effectiveness of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) might be affected by certain comorbidities.
  • Some DMTs increase the risk of developing specific comorbidities, for example infections, bone health, and some cancers.

Supporting Your Quality of Life

ddressing comorbidities is just as important as treating MS itself. Depression and anxiety, for example, can be treated with talk therapies or medicines. Managing risk factors for heart disease (such as cholesterol and blood pressure) helps keep your brain and body healthy for longer.

Remember:

  • Managing all aspects of your health can help slow the progression of MS
  • You are not alone—support is available
  • If you’re unsure, ask your MS team or your GP about screening and support options

What Are Comorbidities?

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) often means dealing with other health conditions as well. These additional conditions, known as comorbidities, can affect your MS symptoms, treatment options, and overall quality of life. Managing comorbidities is an important part of your overall health plan.

Comorbidities are other health conditions that occur alongside MS. They are not caused by MS, but they can interact with it and make symptoms or disease progression worse. Common comorbidities include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Diabetes
  • Heart and blood vessel (vascular) disease
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Autoimmune diseases (such as thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Obesity

How to Manage Comorbidities?

Regular Check-ups

  • Have regular appointments with your GP and other health professionals.
  • Keep your health team updated about all your health conditions and medications.

Screening and Early Treatment

  • Get screened for common conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.
  • Treat infections and other health issues quickly.

Healthy Lifestyle

  • Eat a balanced diet, stay active, and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
  • Get enough sleep and manage stress.

Medication Management

  • Tell your health team about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter and supplements.
  • Some medications for MS or other conditions may interact, so your team will help you manage this.

Support from Your Health Team

  • Work with your GP, MS nurse, and other specialists to manage all your health needs.
  • MSNZ and your local MS Regional Society can provide information and support.

Health Care professionals