“It is very important that they adapt positively to the evolution of this disease”

The ‘la Caixa’ Foundation supports, through the Calls for Social Projects, the psychological support program developed by the Rioja Multiple Sclerosis Association (Ardem) in the community. The project, which is promoted with a budget of 15,000 euros, is aimed at patients with multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and related pathologies, their family members or people responsible for their care.

All due, in part, to the fact that patients, suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, gradually worsen; Therefore, it is essential that they are accompanied throughout the process so that they adapt to the evolution of the pathology and can face the limitations that it will impose on them. In this sense, as highlighted by the manager of the aforementioned association, Arancha Lasanta, “psychological support for patients and their families is a fundamental pillar of the comprehensive care of our patients.”

For this reason, “in addition to the physical rehabilitation provided at the Association’s Comprehensive Care Center, it is very important that in neurodegenerative diseases people adapt positively to the evolution of the disease.” To this end, this service, as the Ardem manager explains, provides “the instruments and support necessary to face the limitations imposed by this type of disease in the most positive way possible.” Not only that. Likewise, “we serve families because these diseases also affect the environment.”

Psychological support

The program is developed throughout the community, although psychological care is provided in all towns in the region where there are patients who request it and who cannot go to the comprehensive care center for personal reasons or due to travel problems. With this service, explains the manager, 61 people are served through individual sessions, although another 120 people have also been monitored through phone calls to find out how they were. In addition, around 70 people will be directly supported, including those affected and their families; in addition to the continued monitoring that is carried out on the rest of those affected by the association.

In this sense, the manager of the aforementioned association highlights the psychological support provided to patients and families “in individual sessions and self-help groups.” «Physical rehabilitation is as important for people with neurodegenerative diseases so that they feel as good as possible and maintain their functionality for as long as possible, as is emotional support that allows them to face the limitations that this disease places on them in their daily lives. “, highlights Lasanta while emphasizing that “it is important that they face its evolution positively for their psychological well-being and their environment.”