Physical complaints and quality of life in elderly patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common non-traumatic neurological disease of the central nervous system. Progress in medical therapy has increased life expectancy in MS patients. This lead to an increasing number of elderly people suffering from MS, but little is known about the specific problems of this patient group. In collaboration with the German Multiple Sclerosis Association, a representative sample of 4012 German MS patients participated by working on a mailed anonymous questionnaire. The questions were related to demographic data, impairments, therapeutical course, illness related costs and quality of life (SF-36). Altogether 391 of these patients were of age 65 years or older (average age: 70.4 years, 65% females). In general, elderly MS patients suffered significantly from chronic progressive courses of MS and reported increased physical impairments, especially in mobility and urinary tract dysfunctions. Speech disturbances were significantly less frequent. Elderly MS patients received primarily medical care from neurologists and general practitioners. More than 61% of the investigated patients spent 50-500€ monthly to cope with MS related problems. Subjective quality of life (SF-36) impaired in all dimensions, especially in bodily function and bodily role. The results indicate, that elderly MS patients suffer more frequently from chronic progressive courses of MS, and that they experience impairments in mobility. Health care professionals should take notice of this MS patient group not known only some years ago. Therefore they should consider increasing independence and quality of life, to avoid nursing home admissions and additional costs for the health care system.