Penang MS Support Group hosts talk for World MS Day

The Penang Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group Association is set to host an awareness talk on June 1, in celebration of World MS Day, which is observed on May 30.

The event will take place at Komtar Auditorium F from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system, is the focus of this crucial event.

Early MS diagnosis and support

The chairman of the association, Peter Lim, who has lived with multiple sclerosis since 2007, emphasised the importance of early diagnosis.

“Early diagnosis is very important so that doctors can treat the symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition,” Lim stated.

The event will highlight the significance of early detection, the impact of MS, and the latest in MS medication.

Lim also noted the comprehensive support provided by the association, which includes hospital visits and assistance for MS patients and their families.

“Besides holding awareness talks, we provide support to the patients and families of those affected by MS,” he said.

The association will also distribute tokens of encouragement to MS patients during the talk.

Living with MS: Personal stories and statistics

Peter Lim shared insights into the daily challenges and triumphs of living with MS.

He explained, “When the body’s immune system attacks the myelin, it causes inflammation and myelin loss.

In MS, any part along the optic nerve pathway can be damaged, causing signal flow to be disrupted or blocked.”

Myelin, the outer layer of the nerve fibre, is crucial for nerve function.

Common symptoms of MS include numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, spasms, bladder or bowel problems, and visual disturbances.

According to Lim, MS typically affects young adults between their 20s and 40s, with a higher prevalence in women.

Lim shared the inspiring story of Ashma Ameera Azmi, a 32-year-old MS patient from Perlis. Despite her diagnosis in secondary school,

Ashma graduated from university, got married, and is now raising two children. Her story underscores that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life with MS.

Expanding awareness and community engagement

The Penang MS Support Group Association, founded on 1 April 2009 with only 11 members, has grown to include 193 members.

The group’s efforts are part of a larger movement to raise awareness and support for MS patients.

In line with this year’s World MS Day theme, “My MS Diagnosis,” the talk will cover various aspects of MS, including early diagnosis, disease impact, and management strategies.

Lim highlighted the variability in MS medication, which depends on the location and severity of myelin loss.

Recent activities underscore the community’s commitment to supporting those with MS.

Meanwhile, Dr Lim Thien Thien, a neurologist based in Penang said that MS incidences in Malaysia are estimated to be approximately 2 out of 100,000 people.

Additionally, according to Deepti Saraf, the General Manager of Roche (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, women account for 83 per cent of MS occurrences in Malaysia.

“MS may be a rare disease, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of the condition, there is still hope,” she said.

On May 18, the Rotaract Club of Sunway University, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bandar Sunway and the MS Society of Malaysia, organised a charity walk to raise awareness and funds for the MS community.

Additionally, the Neurology Unit of Hospital Chancellor Tunku Muhriz (HUKM) held a talk and forum session for World MS Day on May 14, featuring speakers from the MS Society.

The Penang MS Support Group Association’s upcoming awareness talk is a vital initiative in the ongoing effort to educate the public and support those affected by multiple sclerosis.

By focusing on early diagnosis and providing comprehensive support, the association aims to improve the quality of life for MS patients and their families.

Join the discussion on June 1 at Komtar Auditorium F and learn more about living with MS, its management, and the importance of community support.

For more information about the event and how to participate, visit the Penang MS Support Group Association’s social media channels.