What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Try to envision an army that is marching along, getting along, doing everything that an army ought to do and all is moving smoothly in army land. The army wears precious little coats that protect them from the elements, as well as help them move better. Abruptly without any warning, part of the army splits off from the other and begins to attack them. Now, comrade is fighting against comrade and those precious little protective coats are getting battered and even demolished.The myelin coats that your little soldiers (nerves) wear are very crucial, and if they become damaged or destroyed by Multiple Sclerosis, it can affect your eyesight, mobility and cognitive functioning, writing, speaking, memory and even your ability to swallow. As a matter of fact, multiple sclerosis will progressively interfere with all functions controlled by the central nervous system.
The average age of diagnosis for MS is between the ages of 20-50, but there have been occurrences in children as well as the elderly. Multiple sclerosis is not exactly an equal opportunity auto-immune disease as it is far more likely to attack Caucasians than any other races and women are doubly as likely to be afflicted as their male counterparts.
Having MS is not a death sentence-though it may feel that way at the start when confronted with the expectation of declining health, mobility, memory and sight.
While there is no way to restore your little soldier's protective coats, there are steps that can be taken to slow down the advancement of the disease and diminish its impact on your life. One of the very best methods to keep your little soldiers all fitted up with myelin is to keep yourself as healthy as possible and keep on going no matter what.