Australian Film to Highlight Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

MS Otago will host a screening of the Australian film Take My Hand at the Riviera Cinema in Oamaru on September 19, 2023, at 18:30. This event is part of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, which runs from September 15-21. The film tells the true story of a woman’s experience with multiple sclerosis (MS), aiming to shed light on the challenges faced by those living with the disease.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

This year’s theme for MS Awareness Week is “Time Matters in MS.” Early identification of the disease is crucial for accessing disease-modifying treatments and preventing severe disability progression. According to Katie Burns, community co-ordinator at MS Otago, “The incidence rate is 3.8 times lower at the bottom of the South Island than at the top of the North Island.” This statistic highlights the regional disparities in MS prevalence across New Zealand.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex and chronic autoimmune disease, recognized as the most common chronic neurological condition affecting young adults. The immune system erroneously attacks the protective layer surrounding the nerve fibres in the central nervous system, leading to various symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, numbness, and balance issues. Currently, there is no cure for MS; however, available treatments can help slow the progression of disability.

Rising Incidence and Diagnosis Challenges

The average age of diagnosis for MS in New Zealand is 37, with women being diagnosed at a rate three times higher than men. The variability in symptoms often makes diagnosis challenging, contributing to delays in treatment. Recent research indicates that there has been a 67% increase in the incidence rate of MS in New Zealand since 2006, particularly among Maori, Pasifika, and Asian communities. The disease is more frequently identified among New Zealand Europeans.

Tickets for the screening of Take My Hand are priced at $10. The event promises to raise awareness and foster discussions about the importance of early detection and access to treatment options for those affected by multiple sclerosis.