Addressing Social Isolation and Feelings of Loneliness in Patients With MS: Tiffany Malone, MSW, MSCS

WATCH TIME: 6 minutes

"There are lots of risk factors that go into putting a person at higher risk for isolation and loneliness, and certainly, MS is one of them."

At the 2025 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, held May 28-31, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, the session "Benefits of Day Programs as Part of Comprehensive Care for People Living With MS" highlighted the value of structured day programs in addressing the multifaceted needs of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). To open the session, Brian Hutchinson, PT, MSCS, introduced the concept and goals of MS day programs, which was followed by a historical overview from Randall T. Schapiro, MD, FAAN, on how these programs have evolved over time.

During the session, Tiffany Malone, MSW, MSCS, emphasized the critical role that day programs can play in reducing loneliness and social isolation, which are common challenges faced by the MS patient community. In addition, Barbara Giesser, MD, FAAN, FANA, discussed the integration of lifestyle neurology into day program models, including nutrition, movement, and stress management. The session concluded with Hutchinson presenting data on the positive clinical and psychosocial outcomes associated with participation in these programs, followed by an audience Q&A with all panelists.

At the meeting, Malone, director of the John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center at Dignity Health, spoke with NeurologyLive^® to discuss the widespread issue of social isolation and loneliness specifically in individuals living with MS. In the interview, she underscored the health risks associated with social disconnection and emphasized the role of clinicians in recognizing as well as addressing these concerns. Additionally, she illustrated how structured day wellness programs can provide emotional, physical, and cognitive support. Malone also advocated for the use of simple, patient-centered questions during clinical visits to assess social engagement and identify unmet psychosocial needs.

Click here for more coverage of CMSC 2025.

REFERENCES
1. Malone T. Connection to Combat Loneliness and Isolation. Presented at: 2025 CMSC Annual Meeting; May 28-31; Phoenix, AZ. The Benefits of Day Programs as Part of Comprehensive Care for People Living With MS.