This is a listing of recommended resources for persons affected by multiple sclerosis. The publications listed present opinions, experiences and information, which are not necessarily endorsed by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
As of October 2008, all of the books listed were available in the Canadian public library system. You should be able to arrange for an interlibrary loan through your local library.
(3rd Edition)
Nancy Holland
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2007 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603271
This book is intended for anyone diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, as well as family members and friends. Please note that the resources referred to in this publication are American-specific.
Multiple Sclerosis: the questions you have, the answers you need
(5th Edition)
Rosalind C. Kalb
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2011 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1936303168
This book was developed under the auspices of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. Topics are presented in a question-and-answer format and include treatment issues, nursing care, physical/occupational/speech therapy, swallowing, cognition, psycho social issues, stress & emotional issues, drugs, alternative treatments, sexuality, pregnancy / childbirth / gynecology, employment, and life planning.
Multiple Sclerosis: The Guide to Treatment and Management
(6th Edition)
Chris Polman et al.
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2006 www.demosmedpub.com
A complete online version is available free of charge.
ISBN 1932603514 / 9781932603514
Comprehensive and readily accessible, this guide covers a broad diversity of treatment options in MS. Like previous editions, the sixth edition offers both detailed discussion for each therapy in current use and an opinion statement on its usefulness and effectiveness by the Medical Management Committee of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation. The content and format of this best-selling book has been extensively revised and regularly updated since its original version. Its' title has been changed from Therapeutic Claims in Multiple Sclerosis to Multiple Sclerosis: The Guide to Treatment and Management to more aptly reflect its extensive range of material and its focus on specific therapies.
(5th Edition)
Randall T. Schapiro
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2007 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603360
Dr. Schapiro writes in a clear and concise manner about approaches to managing MS. The purpose of the book is to assist persons with multiple sclerosis, their families and friends to have a better understanding of the disease and to cope more effectively with MS. Dr. Schapiro and his team focus on the management of specific symptoms that may develop as a result of the disease process in multiple sclerosis.
Complementary Alternative Medicine and Multiple Sclerosis
(2nd Edition)
Allen C. Bowling
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2007 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603549
There are several definitions of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), or unconventional medicine. It may be difficult for people with MS to obtain reliable MS-relevant CAM information. This resource discusses some of the commonly used CAM therapies and their relevance to the disease, including: herbal medicine, vitamins & minerals, and marijuana. It outlines treatment methods and practical information about the various CAM therapies and it identifies side effects for therapies presented. Some therapies appear promising, others are unsafe or ineffective, and almost all of them need to be studied further.
Meeting the Challenge of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
(2nd Edition)
Patricia Coyle
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2007 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603476
This is an excellent and thorough book covering the medical aspects of progressive MS. The publication also provides limited information on coping issues such as caregiving, finances, relationships and maintaining mental health. Please note: because of the scientific & medical nature of the language and content, some people may find the book difficult to understand.
Nicholas LaRocca and Rosalind C. Kalb
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2006 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 193260331x
Demos Medical Publishing notes that this resource, “is the first comprehensive discussion of MS-related cognitive dysfunction, including the changes that can occur, their assessment and treatment, and strategies for dealing with their impact in daily life."
(2nd Edition)
Nancy Holland and June Halper (Eds)
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2005 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603077
This book provides practical advice on dealing with the physical and lifestyle challenges of MS, while achieving wellness. Experts discuss topics such as symptoms, exercise, stress, sexuality, complementary therapies, and general health. The book also includes helpful diagrams and step-by-step instructions.
Living with multiple sclerosis: a wellness approach
(2nd Edition)
George H. Kraft and Marci Catanzaro
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2000 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1888799269
This question-and-answer format book deals with the cause and
course of MS, symptom management, emotional health, social issues,
and treatments. Dr. Kraft is particularly interested in alternative
therapies, wellness and fitness.
Dietary Supplements and Multiple Sclerosis: A health
professional’s
guide
Allen C. Bowling
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2004.
ISBN 188879990
This succinct publication provides a review of various supplements
with relevance to MS: supplements known to be used by people
with MS, those which have claimed efficacy for slowing disease
progression or relieving MS symptoms, those potentially interacting
with drugs commonly used to treat MS, and those which potentially
worsen MS or its symptoms
Carole Shaw and Barbara
Low
University of British Columbia Hospital, MS Clinic (2002)
Prepared by health care professionals who specialize in MS,
this booklet includes general information on MS and fatigue and
discusses the role of exercise in the physical management of
MS. Guidelines for exercising, walking and maintaining good posture
are included. The exercise component of the booklet is divided
into stretching, strengthening and balance activities and each
of the three sections is separated into two categories according
to the degree of difficulty, so that physiotherapists can prescribe
an exercise program geared specifically to a patient's level
of disability. All exercises are illustrated. A section on relaxation
techniques completes the manual.
Copies can be ordered and/or are available online as a PDF from: http://vch.eduhealth.ca -- search using either the publication
title or catalogue number: FM.460.M9194
This publication is written by a Registered
Nurse and Registered Massage Therapist. Included in this edition
of Muscle Medicine
is an instructional DVD, which demonstrates step-by-step techniques
for giving an on-the-spot soothing, and relaxing 15 minute "over-the-clothes" back,
neck and arm massage.
Kristine Napier, director of the Nutrition Enhancement Project
for Preventive Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation,
offers practical advice on nutrition, food shopping, and meal
preparation, along with clear and easy-to-prepare recipes. The
book also includes sections on specific diseases, including MS
and lupus (a disease which Napier herself has).
Practical
300 Tips for Making Life with Multiple Sclerosis Easier
(2nd Edition)
Shelley Peterman Schwartz
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2006 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603212
This is an easy-to-use, practical book for people with moderate
to severe limitations. Please note, however, that it refers only
to American-based resources.
Home Accessibility: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier
(1st Edition)
Shelley Peterman Schwartz
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2012 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1936303229
Written by the best-selling author of Multiple Sclerosis: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier, Home Accessibility will help people with chronic illness, physical disability, temporary or permanent, and age-related limitations make their homes safer and more accessible without costly remodeling or structural changes.
Barrier Free Travel: A nuts and bolts guide for wheelers
and slow walkers
(3rd Edition)
Candy Harrington
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2009. www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603832
While this book may focus in particular
on American resources and destinations, it also looks at travel
abroad and offers helpful
general travel tips. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
in the States writes that the author, “takes a no-holds-barred
approach as she reviews the best and worst airlines, hotel and
motel chains, travel agents, and destinations. She recommends
finding out everything before traveling. The depth of research
and painstakingly careful documentation in this book are particularly
useful. Harrington offers information on recreation and vacation
destinations.”
Cynthia Benz
London: Vermillion Publications, Random House, 2005
ISBN 0091902460
This book offers a comprehensive view of what it is like to
have MS with all of its symptoms, moods and fluctuations. Topics
include diagnosis, living with MS, and coping with the crisis
of MS. This book also gives a wealth of practical advice on coping
with this unpredictable disease and could change your entire
attitude towards living with MS.
Dr. Burnfield is a practicing British psychiatrist who has multiple
sclerosis. His book describes MS, how it affects people and how
to cope with distressing difficulties such as MS related fatigue,
sexual difficulties, and communication within the family. The
importance of preserving self-respect and dignity are discussed
with understanding and practical advice. This book would also
be helpful in providing a much deeper understanding of what it
means to have MS for family members, doctors, nurses and others
who know someone with MS. This is a warm, refreshingly frank
and practical book.
In this user-friendly book, Dr. Burns explains the causes and
treatment for depression. While Burns supports appropriate drug
therapy, he also provides research-based non-drug related techniques
that individuals can use to control depression.
Yes, You Can: Go beyond physical adversity
and live life to its fullest
The International Journal of MS Care writes, “This excellent
little book deals with how to take the lemon life has dealt you
and make lemonade...Heartily recommend[ed]!"
Relationships and Sexuality
Enabling Romance.
A Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships for People with Disabilities
Ken Kroll and Erica Levy Klein
Horsham: No Limits Communications, 1992
ISBN 0971284202
This book challenges stereotypes around disability and sexuality
and aims to explore different ways that people with disability
can express their sexuality. It covers both general information
and specific disabilities. While the section on MS is short and
tends to focus on more progressive cases of the illness, the
other chapters could also be of value. Please note: the explicit
nature of some drawings and testimonies may not be for everyone.
The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: For all of
us who live with disabilities, chronic pain, and illness
For men and women of all ages and sexual
identities, this resource on sex and disability covers the
span of disabilities—from
chronic fatigue and back pain to spinal cord injury, multiple
sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, and many others.
In Sickness and in Health: Sex, Love and Chronic Illness
(3rd Edition)
Rosalind
C. Kalb (Ed)
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2005 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603107
Experts in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, sociology, psychology,
social work, law and economics discuss the ways in which MS impacts
the family group. The book describes strategies and resources
available to more effectively help families manage living with
MS. It is written for health care providers, professionals, persons
with MS and their families.
(2nd Edition)
Caroline Courey
Montreal: CC Books, 2000
ISBN 0968563317
This novel tells the poignant story of a family affected by
MS. It should be noted that Crossed Signals is not always factual
in its rendering of some important treatment and management issues.
Nonetheless, it deals accurately with many of the emotional aspects
of life with MS, and is recommended in particular for teens of
parents with MS.
The NMSS writes, “Told in simple
but heart-warming language and gorgeous full-color illustrations,
My Grampy Can't Walk is
an excellent book for younger children who have a grandparent-or
other older relative-with mobility limitations. In its 34 oversized
pages, Grampy and his grandchildren take a ride in an adapted
jeep, fly in an airplane, watch the sunset, tell each other stories,
and explore.”
Produced by the National MS Society
VHS or DVD format, 15 minutes
Timmy’s Journey to Understanding MS is an animated cartoon that shares
a little boy’s (Timmy) adventure learning about MS. David Lander is the
voice of Captain S’myelin, who is Timmy’s guide on his journey.
The cartoon is an excellent resource for talking to children about MS.
Please contact your division regarding copies of the VHS or
DVD: 1-800-268-7582.
How to Help Children Through a Parent’s Serious Illness
Offering supportive, practical advice from a leading child-life
specialist, this book includes information such as what to tell
a child about the illness, how to recognize early-warning signs
of difficulty with the illness in a child's drawings, sleep patterns,
schoolwork and eating habits, and when and where to seek professional
help. Please note: this book deals with a variety of illness,
including terminal and not all of the discussion will be relevant
to MS.
Helping Children with Ill or Disabled
Parents: A guide for parents and professionals
Julia Segal and John Simkins
London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1996
ISBN 1853024090
This book encompasses a range of illnesses and suggests ways
of approaching issues that can arise with children in the family.
Please note that the resources referred to in the book are British.
Maria Meyer and Paula Derr
New York: Demos Medical Publishing,
2006 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 096647676X
This book is a practical, “how to” guide
for families providing care at home to someone with significant
care needs.
It provides practical information on preparing the home, yourself
and your loved one; as well as the fundamentals of common caregiving
tasks. Information on taxation, healthcare options and resources
are directed at American readers.
Love, Honor & Value: A family caregiver speaks out about
the choices and challenges of caregiving
Suzanne Geffen Mintz
Sterling, VA: Capital Books Inc., 2002
ISBN 1892123568
The author draws on her personal experience
as a caregiver as well as her knowledge of other caregivers’ experiences
to offer strategies and solutions for common caregiving challenges.
Topics such as taking charge and getting help are explored in
detail with many practical tools, including concrete examples
of charts for planning and organization, suggested step-by-step
processes, and questions for personal reflection and planning.
There is also an Appendix with several tip sheets on more specific
issues.
Caring for yourself while caring for others: A caregiver’s
survival and renewal guide
Lawrence Brammer and Marian Bingea.
New York, NY: Vantage Press, 1999
ISBN 0533128765
The content of this book is organized around the themes of coping
and survival, understanding your inner resources, facing difficult
feelings, knowing your community resources and planning for wellness
and renewal. Theoretical information as well as ideas and encouragement
for practical application are found throughout the book. Please
note: the resources in this book are American-specific.
Surviving Your Spouse’s Chronic Illness: a compassionate
guide
Chris McGonigle
New York, NY: Henry Holt & Co., 1999
ISBN 0805055738
This book addresses the emotional and
psychological impact of caring for a chronically ill spouse.
The author shares frankly
from her own and others’ experiences as caregivers. The
topics covered include initial reaction to diagnosis, denial,
communication, losing the sexual part of marriage, anger, violence,
parenting and spirituality. The book includes both international
and U.S. based resources.
Jodi Olshevski et al.
Philadelphia: Brunner/Mazel, 1999
ISBN 0876309414
This book focuses on how to help caregivers manage and reduce
their stress. It includes a discussion of coping theories and
information on coping strategies for stress management (for example, stress level monitoring, relaxation training, relaxing events,
and cognitive restructuring). This would be an appropriate resource
for professionals working with caregivers or caregivers interested
in a more academic approach to the topic.
Pat Samples
et al.
Center City, MN: Hazelden Information Education, 2000
ISBN 1568385609
This book takes a “Twelve Step” approach
to helping caregivers to reflect and make decisions about their
caregiving
role and their self-care. This focus may not be helpful for everyone,
but may suit those who want to explore the spiritual aspects
of caregiving.
Mainstay: for the Well Spouse of the Chronically Ill
The author describes her own and other
caregivers’ experiences
caring for a spouse with a chronic illness. The topics covered
range from the diagnosis to changes in the relationship over
the course of the illness. Information is also included about
realistic and practical ways for caregivers to seek support and
maintain their own physical and emotional health. The value of
support groups for the well spouse (for example, caregiver) is also emphasized.
Please note the following: this book describes a severe case
of progressive MS that is not typical of the disease; and the
author does not recommend her book for caregivers in newly diagnosed
situations.
Personal Experience
My Story: A photographic
essay on life with multiple sclerosis
The essays and accompanying photographs in this inspiring book
poignantly portray the lives of thirty-two diverse men and women
who share the challenge of living with MS.
Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis
Jeffrey
Gingold
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2006 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1932603603.
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis
Centers comments, “Language
laced with ironic humor and crisp images of a mental wheelchair
express the devastation of what [Gingold] terms "smack-in-the-face" cognitive
symptoms...Gingold's memoir is...a poetic testament to one man's
courage.”
Life on Cripple Creek: Essays on living with multiple
sclerosis
Demos Medical Publishing notes, “Many books convey the struggles of living
with a life-changing disability. But Life on Cripple Creek goes further to
show that with inner strength and a sense of humor the intrinsic land mines
one encounters with this disease need not be devastating.”
The Consortium of MS Centers writes, “This book
is a wonderful resource for neurologists, physiatrists and allied
health care
professionals involved in the daily management of MS.”
An award-winning book by Dr. T. Jock Murray,
this scholarly yet engaging publication provides a rich understanding
of the history
of multiple sclerosis in the context of the larger history
of medical progress.
The Clinical Neuropsychiatry of Multiple Sclerosis (2nd Edition)
Anthony Feinstein
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007
ISBN 978-0521852340
This book provides a detailed survey of the
emotional, behavioural and cognitive disorders common among those
with MS. The International
MS Journal notes, “This readable book is both a comprehensive
overview, to be read cover-to-cover, and a reference volume,
to be consulted as appropriate …” Please note: this
book is not intended for a lay audience.
(3rd Edition)
Edited by June Halper, MSN, ANP, FAAN and Nancy J. Holland, RN, EdD
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2010 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 978-0826118523
“Written by clinicians who have a unique expertise in
the management of multiple sclerosis, this text addresses the
physical, emotional, social, and environmental problems resulting
from the disease.” ~ Demos Medical Publishing.
Nursing Practice in Multiple Sclerosis: A core curriculum
(2nd Edition)
Kathleen Costello, June Halper and Colleen Harris
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2006 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 188879996X
“Written for nurses preparing to take the MS certification
exam given under the auspices of the International Organization
of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN), and for everyone involved,
or becoming involved, in the field of MS treatment and care.” ~
Demos Medical Publishing.
Advanced Concepts in Multiple Sclerosis Nursing (2nd Edition)
"
...a valuable resource for nurses working in a variety of health
care settings all over the world.” ~ International Organization
of MS Nurses (IOMSN)
Multiple Sclerosis: Psychosocial and
vocational interventions
Robert T. Fraser
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2002 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1888799595
The International Journal of MS Care writes
that this book,“sets
a new standard for viewing chronic illness and disability with
its emphasis on productivity, sustained function, and strategies
for independent living. While the authors do not overlook the
physical implications of the disease, they emphasize strengths
and strategies instead of weakness and compromise.”
Stanley Van den Noort.
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 1999 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1888799250
This book, “is designed for all physicians who manage
the disease outside a comprehensive MS care center, emphasizing
those therapies that can be used successfully by the non-MS specialist,
and indicating when referral is appropriate.” ~ Demos Medical
Publishing.
Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A guide to diagnosis and
management
Lauren Krupp
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2004
ISBN 1888799811
According to the Consortium for Multiple
Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), this practical guide for Health Care
Professionals, “discusses
the impact of fatigue on the individual with MS, the potential
etiologies underlying MS-related fatigue, its workup and diagnosis,
and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management strategies.”
Multiple Sclerosis: Immunology, Pathology, and Pathophysiology
Robert N. Hernon
New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2006 www.demosmedpub.com
ISBN 1888799625
“This volume is an overview of the basic sciences as they
relate to MS and will provide clinicians and investigators a
better understanding of the basic aspects of the disease.” ~
Demos Medical Publishing
Charitable registration
10774 6174 RR0001
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Toll free to reach
the nearest regional office: 1 800 268-7582
To locate the MS Society office near you, please select your region:
E-mail: info@mssociety.ca (Please provide your town and
province in your e-mail)
(3rd Edition)
(5th Edition)
(6th Edition)
(5th Edition)
(2nd Edition)
(2nd Edition)
Nicholas LaRocca and Rosalind C. Kalb 
(2nd Edition)
(2nd Edition)
Allen C. Bowling
Anne Robert
(DVD and VHS) 
Kristine M. Napier
(2nd Edition) 
(1st Edition)
(3rd Edition)
Cynthia Benz 
Alexander Burnfield 
David D. Burns 
Janis Dietz
Ken Kroll and Erica Levy Klein 
Cory Silverberg
Lucille
Carlton 
(3rd Edition)
Judith
Rogers and Molleen Matsumura
(2nd Edition)
Vanita Oelschlager
Kathleen McCue
Julia Segal and John Simkins
New York, NY: Beth Israel Medical Centre,
Department of Pain Medicine & Palliative Care
Maria Meyer and Paula Derr
Suzanne Geffen Mintz
Lawrence Brammer and Marian Bingea. 
Chris McGonigle
Jodi Olshevski et al. 
Pat Samples
et al. 
Maggie Strong
Amelia Davis. New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2004
Jeffrey
Gingold
Dean Kramer
Judith Lynn Nichols
Judith
Lynn Nichols
Jack Burks
T. Jock Murray
Anthony Feinstein
(3rd Edition)
(2nd Edition)
June Halper 
Robert T. Fraser
Stanley Van den Noort.
Lauren Krupp
Robert N. Hernon