Impact of mobility impairment on the burden of caregiving in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated neurologic disease that typically strikes young adults during their most productive years, and is associated with a wide range of functional deficits and progressive disability. Loss of mobility is among the most disabling effects of MS, adversely affecting multiple outcomes, including independence, employment and quality of life. Relative to other common diseases, MS is associated with a disproportionately high socioeconomic burden. Informal and unpaid caregivers, such as family and friends, play a vital, sustained and often difficult role in supporting the ability of MS patients to live and function at home. However, there are few data characterizing caregiver burden in MS. This review was conducted to examine the need and impact of caregiving for patients with MS, focusing on the contribution of mobility impairment to loss of patient independence.