Impact of a Four-Week Coaching Program on Dietary Habits in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic disabling central nervous system (CNS) disease in young adults, affecting 1 in 1,000 people in Western countries. Disproportionate and unpredictable impacts of co-morbid health conditions enhances the needs for comprehensive MS management and wellness strategies.

However, comprehensive care is limited, forcing many people to neglect critical aspects of their wellness. This creates a profound need for health and wellness programs that provide education, connection, and activation.

Research shows a consistent need for more access to reliable information regarding symptoms, management, access to healthcare professionals, and rehabilitation. There is also a primary unmet need for more information on exercise, nutrition, insurance, transportation, and employment.

People living with MS often receive more information from advocacy organizations than their MS nurse or neurologist. Decreased access to healthcare professionals since the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for credible information from organizations like Can Do MS. Over the past year, Can Do MS has seen significant growth in virtual program attendance, with participant identifying "learning new information" as a critical objective.

A multipronged approach utilizing auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles is the preferred method for delivering information. There is also a need to appeal to multiple sensory channels through complimentary mediums (e.g. video, audio, written materials, tactile activities).