Purpose of Review

In spite of recent advances in treatment, many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) require ongoing care and support. Informal caregivers can experience burden as a result of their role, with possible implications for quality of life (QOL). We review recent research examining MS caregiver experience to (1) understand current risk factors for caregiver burden and (2) identify possible strategies for increasing carer well-being.

Recent Findings

MS caregiver experience is highly variable and can be predicted by a variety of care recipient, caregiver and contextual factors. Burden is not the only characteristic associated with care, with positive consequences also reported. Emerging research suggests a number of ways in which carers can be better supported.

Summary

Identifying and meeting the needs of MS caregivers offers the best way of delivering tailored support. Future research should focus on the development of psychosocial supports, while acknowledging the needs of those caring for different MS patient populations.

中文翻译：

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多发性硬化症的照顾者负担：近期趋势和未来方向。

审查目的

尽管最近在治疗方面取得了进展，但许多多发性硬化症 (MS) 患者仍需要持续的护理和支持。非正式照顾者可能会因其角色而承受负担，并可能对生活质量 (QOL) 产生影响。我们回顾了最近检查 MS 照顾者经验的研究，以 (1) 了解照顾者负担的当前风险因素和 (2) 确定增加照顾者福祉的可能策略。

最近的发现

多发性硬化症护理人员的经验是高度可变的，并且可以通过各种护理接受者、护理人员和背景因素来预测。负担不是与护理相关的唯一特征，还报告了积极的后果。新兴研究表明，可以通过多种方式更好地支持照顾者。

概括

识别和满足 MS 护理人员的需求是提供量身定制支持的最佳方式。未来的研究应侧重于心理社会支持的发展，同时承认照顾不同 MS 患者群体的人的需求。