Bladder dysfunction may lead to incontinence or repeated urinary tract infections. Bowel problems can be managed through the judicious use of stool softeners with bulk-forming laxatives, or in more difficult cases with suppositories and enemas. Before assuming a problem is cognitive in nature, depression should be ruled out or treated aggressively. A neuropsychologist is the specialist who can best evaluate and assess cognitive changes and assist the family in adopting coping strategies. Depression may be caused by the stresses of life or be the result of MS damage in the parts of the brain involved in regulation of emotions.
Depressed people tend to withdraw.
The resulting lack of activity and stimulation makes matters worse. Although social activities will not replace lost myelin, they can have a positive effect on a person s outlook on life. But often depression does not respond to commonsense remedies. Professional help is then needed. Assistive devices, such as canes, walkers and motorized scooters can be useful to those who maintain some ability to walk.