We used structural equation modeling to explore the relationship between mental distress, disability and coping strategies in the Italian population with multiple sclerosis (MS) under lockdown. A total of 845 people (497 with MS and 348 controls) participated in our web survey; in this population, the MS group had higher scores than the control group for depression (
P
= 0.005). According to the structural equation modeling, which explained 74% of the variance observed in depression scores, favoring exercise would enhance active attitude and its positive impact on mental well‐being while, at the same time, reducing the negative impact of disability on depression, representing a valuable tool in facing COVID‐19‐related mental distress.
Over the last months, due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, containment measures have led to important social restriction. Healthcare systems have faced a complete rearrangement of resources and spaces, with the creation of wards devoted to COVID-19 patients. In this context, patients affected by chronic neurological diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are at risk to be lost at follow-up, leading to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Telemedicine may allow meet the needs of these patients. In this commentary, we briefly discuss the digital tools to remotely monitor and manage ALS patients. Focusing on detecting disease progression and preventing life-threatening conditions, we propose a toolset able to improve ALS management during this unprecedented situation.
Over the last few decades, patients have increasingly been searching for health information on the Internet. This aspect of information seeking is really important, especially for people affected by chronic pathologies and require lifelong treatment and management. These people are usually very well informed about the disease, but are nonetheless vulnerable to hopes of being cured or saved, often amplified by misinformation, myths, legends, and therapies that are not always scientifically proven. Many studies suggest that some individuals prefer to rely on the Internet as their main source of information, often hindering the patient-doctor relationship. This is why a professional approach is imperative in this posttruth age, in order to maintain confidentiality, honesty, and trust in the medical profession.
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