The virtues of adaptability

The educational impact of childhood-onset multiple sclerosis: Why assessing academic achievement is imperative

BACKGROUND

Limited data suggest that adolescents with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently discontinue school. While it is known that cognitive impairment occurs in 30% to 50% of children with MS, the functional impact of childhood MS on academic achievement is virtually unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To that end, this paper builds an evidence-based argument for evaluating educational outcomes in children with MS.

METHODS

This will be accomplished through (a) a review of pediatric MS and its cognitive consequences; (b) a selective review of the utility of neuropsychological batteries in assessing academic outcomes in pediatric populations in general; and (c) a brief overview of modifiable factors that have a potential benefit on school outcomes in children with MS.

CONCLUSION

Scholastic achievement should be assessed as part of the routine cognitive screening of children and adolescents with MS.

Physical activity and pediatric multiple sclerosis: Developing a research agenda

Three-quarters of children with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience fatigue or depression, and progressive neurocognitive decline may be seen as early as two years after MS diagnosis. Furthermore, a higher magnetic resonance imaging disease burden is seen in pediatric-onset MS compared with adult-onset MS. To date, limited knowledge exists regarding behavioral methods for managing symptoms and disease progression in pediatric MS. To that end, this paper builds an evidence-based argument for the possible symptomatic and disease-modifying effects of exercise and physical activity in pediatric MS. This will be accomplished through: (a) a review of pediatric MS and its consequences; (b) a brief overview of physical activity and its consequences in children and adults with MS; and (c) a selective review of research on the neurological benefits of physical activity in pediatric populations. This topical review concludes with a list of 10 questions to guide future research on physical activity and pediatric MS. The objective of this paper is the provision of a research interest, focus and agenda involving pediatric MS and its lifelong management though exercise and physical activity behavior. Such an agenda is critical as the effects and maintenance of physical activity and exercise track across the lifespan, particularly when developed in the early stages of life.