More than 50 percent of people with MS say their symptoms of fatigue, physical weakness, muscle stiffness, or cognitive issues, such as trouble remembering or concentrating, limit their daily routines in some way, according to a survey published in July-August 2020 in the International Journal of MS Care. They also say MS has a negative effect on their emotional well-being, self-esteem, ability to maintain or start relationships, and ability to progress in their jobs or careers. “It’s important for people to know that this is a heavy, emotional thing that you’re living with right now,” says Leigh Charvet, PhD, a professor of neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of MS research at the NYU Langone Health Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center , in New York City. As a clinical neuropsychologist, she has worked for over 25 years with people living with MS. Taking stock of how much MS is affecting you can help you find ways to address it and take back control of your life. “We want to see you continuing to do the things that are the most meaningful and important to you, even if we have to find new or different ways to go about it,” says Kevin Alschuler, PhD, psychology director and director of rehabilitation research at the Multiple Sclerosis Center at UW Medicine in Seattle. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), finding ways to adapt so you can continue to do what’s important to you is an essential part of maintaining your emotional well-being and quality of life. Take this assessment to find out just how much MS is impacting your daily life and what you can do about it. This assessment is part of a series aimed at helping you check in on your MS before your next checkup with your neurologist. Take more assessments.
