The Zoomer Report: Chronic Fatigue

It’s the biggest study so far on a baffling condition: Chronic fatigue syndrome. And the finding is that exercise and behaviour therapy are the best treatments.

For years, patient groups warned this could be dangerous, instead promoting a strategy known as adaptive pacing — which advises patients to adjust to their illness by simply doing less. The study proved that wrong.

The research, published in The Lancet, concluded that exercise as well as cognitive therapy to address fears of activity seemed to moderately reduce fatigue and improve activity levels. Researchers figure these strategies work by convincing patients they can recover, leading to an actual improvement. The treatment helped about 60 per cent of the patients.

The study also suggests the crippling condition can sometimes be reversed.

Chronic fatigue syndrome affects up to two per cent of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent tiredness, muscle pain, insomnia and memory problems. The cause is unknown, and there is no cure.

READ MORE ZOOMER REPORTS
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About The Zoomer Report

Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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