Multiple Sclerosis (MS), one of the most widespread disabling neurological conditions amongst young adults, affects around 2.5 million people around the world. The incurable disease typically occurs in early adulthood, often leading to long-term disability.
Early MS symptoms include weakness, tingling, numbness, blurred vision and muscle stiffness;
experiencing depression, stress and anxiety are also common when diagnosed with MS.
Research has shown that major depression or anxiety effects up to 20% of people with MS living in the UAE, while other studies conducted in the country, have revealed that the Emirati population has medium to high risk for developing MS.
The American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology has recently launched the first MS Unit in UAE to offer specialized, coordinated multidisciplinary management of MS, with patients able to access a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored specifically to their individual needs.
Joining the fight against MS, Dr. Taoufik Alsaadi, Chief Medical Officer and Chairman of the Neurology Department at American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN), said, “Research has shown that people with MS make greater improvements while under the care of experienced clinicians within a specialized MS service. The American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN) is one of the region’s few licensed healthcare research facilities. We are dedicated to advancing knowledge within MS with the aim of improving a patient’s quality of life.”
With more than 2,000 people in the UAE reported to be living with multiple sclerosis it is becoming vital that clinicians, doctors, and GPs in the Middle East play a much bigger role in the diagnosis, management and overall health of the patient.
