In MS, all measures taken are aimed at halting the progression of the disease to keep patients as fit as possible for as long as possible. Both research and clinical practice show that early treatment makes the most sense, because it gives the best therapeutic results. The seventh edition of the SM campaign - WALK FOR YOURSELF - will be launched in May.  This is your time, your life! - is the main message of the 2018 campaign.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, mainly affecting young people. Each patient may develop different symptoms, such as visual disturbances, hemiparesis, balance and coordination disorders, speech disorders, changes in the perception of sensory stimuli and many others. The topic of cognitive dysfunction in the course of MS is increasingly being raised. Based on data from the National Health Service, we can say that about 46,000 people in our country have multiple sclerosis.

The use of appropriate therapy can significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and control its progression. According to Prof. Christopher Selmaja We can talk about success in MS therapy when we keep patients in a stable neurological state for many years, without relapses and without confirmation of further demyelinating lesions in magnetic resonance imaging studies.

This year's campaign motto SM-WALK FOR YOURSELF – This is your time, your life! refers to the entire process, from diagnosis, choosing a treatment path, to consciously managing life with a chronic disease so that it does not dominate life. Prompt treatment is the best chance of winning the battle for fitness. International bodies indicate that individualized treatment solutions and a comprehensive approach work best in MS.

This year we say that diagnosis, is a time for action, for taking matters into your own hands as well. For gaining knowledge, including about available therapies. For a proactive attitude. - says Malina Wieczorek, president of the SM-walcz o siebie Foundation. - Let's find out where we can get involved in treatment as soon as possible, let's tell the treating doctor about our life plans, work, parenthood, so that they choose the best medicine for us. Let's be aware, times are changing and our active participation is essential. Because this is our life.

Today we are beginning to talk about evaluating the lives of patients according to quality criteria, a sense of well-being. This is undoubtedly connected with the realization of personal and professional plans of MS patients.

A dozen years ago, every person with MS went on disability. Now the situation is completely different. People want to be active, they want to work, have families realize themselves. 

We are already investing PLN 300 million a year in multiple sclerosis course-modifying treatment under the so-called first- and second-line drug programs. We can already see that these are investments worth making. Prof. Krzysztof Selmaj's 2017 data show that 59 percent of MS patients were working. This is also confirmed by Social Security data, MS absenteeism in 2016 fell for the first time in several years. - explains Dr. Jakub Gierczynski of Lazarski University.

On the psychological side, the trend is confirmed by studies Prof. Dominika Maison.

Already in the 2014 survey, both patients and those around them stressed that people with MS should not give up their jobs. In addition, the survey allows us to point out the reasons why work is so important in the lives of people with MS: it plays a therapeutic role, mobilizing them, strengthening their self-esteem, and providing social relationships. Work activity undoubtedly prolongs the period of activity and fitness of people with the diagnosis. - supplements Prof. Dominika Maison, dean of the Faculty of Psychology at Warsaw University.

This change is largely due to patients' improving access to effective therapies. At the moment, we have 11 preparations registered for the treatment of MS in the projection-remission form. The choice of drug is a key issue. Important factors include projection of disease progression, procreative plans, patient age, tolerance of possible side effects, etc. It is necessary to take into account what the consequences of the therapy will be after several, several years. This requires a great deal of knowledge on the part of the doctor, knowledge of the latest guidelines, discussed every year at the ECTRIMS international congress.

As of today, we are finally starting to talk about the personalization of treatment, which is a priority for multiple sclerosis. The breakthrough came with the introduction of modern oral drugs in recent years. At the same time, we should not forget the existing therapies with their proven safety profile, with which a significant number of patients are still treated. In the perspective of the year, we are expecting the reimbursement of two more important drugs, including the first for the primary progressive form. It is also worth emphasizing, the importance of nursing support programs or motor and cognitive rehabilitation. - adds Malina Wieczorek, president of the SM Fight for Yourself Foundation.

Personalization of treatment and comprehensive medical care have become a priority at SM. This is also reflected in the new department Personalization of Treatment on the School of Motivation portal (http://www.szkola-motywacji.pl/kategoria/personalizacja-leczenia), where patients can find valuable information on the latest trends in MS approaches. The portal has been in operation for a year, and has brought together specialists willing to share their knowledge in more than 200 videos. Honorary patronage of the School of Motivation has been assumed by the Department of Psychology at the University of Warsaw, the Department of Psychology at Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Lazarski University, the Institute for Patient Rights and Health Education and the Institute for Health Communication.

The seventh edition of the „SM - WALK FOR YOURSELF” campaign will be broadcast on TV (TVP, TVN), press, radio, internet, outdoor and buses (AMS), cinema, plasma screens in Luxmed networks, among others. Activities are widely promoted through social media. TELESCOPE, Pigeon Group, Eura7 and Media People are responsible for the strategy and implementation of the campaign.

The seventh installment of „SM-WALK FOR YOURSELF” kicked off in May, the activities are year-round. The official launch will take place during the celebration of International MS Day (MS DAY 2018). The campaign is implemented by SM-WALK FOR YOU Foundation in partnership with PTSR (Polish Multiple Sclerosis Society) and Urszula Jaworska Foundation. SM-WALK FOR YOU is supported by the companies: Biogen, Bayer, Sanofi Genzyme, Merck, Roche, Novartis and Alvogen.

Please visit www.sm-walczosiebie.pl

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