Health, Wellness, and the Effect of Comorbidities on the Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course: Tackling the Modifiable

Management of mental health, physical comorbidities, and wellness practices are all important aspects of MS care. Mental health disorders are common in MS and can influence the well-being and mortality rates of those living with MS. Mental health disorders need to be routinely screened for and addressed due to increased prevalence in the MS population. Physical comorbidities are frequent in patients with MS and can affect quality of life, well-being, and mortality rates. Assuring that mental and physical comorbidities are routinely screened for and addressed early and successfully is imperative to functional outcomes in MS. Wellness concepts should be introduced at the time of diagnosis and routinely reassessed through capture of wellness data points. Patient priorities should be clarified and supported with tools such as shared decision making and motivational interviewing used to educate, support, and counsel patients with MS. A comprehensive team -based approach to MS care has the opportunity to enhance and engage both those living with MS and their caregivers for optimal living.