Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. John DeLuca is recognized for his outstanding record of professional service and contributions to the field of medical rehabilitation. He leads rehabilitation research and training at Kessler Foundation, improving rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that people's social networks have a strong association with their reported neurological disability. The team developed a social network assessment tool, which found that unhealthy habits of those around an individual can significantly impact their health outcomes.
A recent study by MS researchers found that older individuals with multiple sclerosis report lower levels of depression and higher quality of life than their younger counterparts. This trend is consistent with the general population, where well-being improves with age.
A pilot study by Kessler Foundation researchers found improvements in processing speed training for individuals with multiple sclerosis, enhancing neuropsychological tests and daily life performance. The study showed significant gains in processing speed, new learning, memory, and activities of daily life.
Researchers at UVA have discovered that lymphatic vessels in the brain carry messages from the brain to the immune system, triggering MS symptoms. Blocking these messages may offer a new way to treat the condition, but more research is needed to understand their role and potential therapeutic targets.
A four-year grant funds a collaborative study with 11 centers worldwide to assess the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise on cognitive function in people with progressive MS. Researchers aim to demonstrate improved brain activity in regions responsible for memory, learning, and executive functioning after treatment.
Researchers discovered that B cells activate specific T cells causing inflammation and nerve cell damage in MS patients. This finding explains how novel drugs like Rituximab and Ocrelizumab inhibit inflammation.
A clinical trial of over 250 participants with progressive multiple sclerosis found that ibudilast slowed down brain shrinkage compared to a placebo. The study showed a difference of approximately 2.5 milliliters of brain tissue between the two groups, but it is unclear if this translates to improved symptoms or function.
A phase 2 trial conducted by Cleveland Clinic shows that ibudilast decreased progression of brain atrophy in progressive MS patients by 48 percent versus placebo. The study also demonstrated the utility of advanced imaging in clinical trials to measure the impact of therapies on brain health.
Researchers have discovered a novel subtype of multiple sclerosis, called myelocortical MS (MCMS), which features neuronal loss but no demyelination in the brain's white matter. This new subtype is indistinguishable from traditional MS on MRI and has reduced neuronal density and cortical thickness.
Dr. Silvana Costa receives a National MS Society grant to investigate the effect of visual, cognitive, and motor deficits on information processing speed in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The four-year study will utilize neuropsychological evaluations and eye-tracking technology.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have identified dozens of drug candidates that share a common mechanism to repair damaged brain cells in multiple sclerosis. These new targets and potent early-stage drug candidates could lead to regenerative medicines for the debilitating disease.
Researchers identified a molecular key, P2X4 receptor, that delays Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression by reducing chronic inflammation and promoting repair responses in the nervous tissue. The study found that activating this receptor improves symptoms during the disease's chronic phase.
A collaborative study funded by NIH aims to assess the effects of treadmill walking exercise on cognitive processing speed, brain volume, and functional connectivity in individuals with MS. Researchers hope to develop exercise training guidelines to improve cognition and brain health in people with MS.
A new MRI technique monitors brain iron levels to identify MS patients at higher risk of developing physical disability. Iron depletion or increase in certain brain structures is associated with longer disease duration and higher disability degree.
A genetic marker associated with an adverse drug reaction in people with multiple sclerosis has been found. The discovery may lead to more individualized approaches to MS treatment and care.
A study of 14,000 people with MS found common conditions like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and mood disorders preceding the diagnosis. This research may enable early detection and treatment, possibly slowing disease progression.
Researchers are testing whether drastically cutting calories twice a week can change MS symptoms. A study found that intermittent fasting reduced MS-like symptoms in mice, with changes in immune cells and gut microbiome.
People exposed to paint, varnish, and solvents are 50% more likely to develop multiple sclerosis. Those with the genetic risk factors and solvent exposure have nearly seven times the risk of developing MS compared to those without solvent exposure or genetic risk factors.
A new mechanism has been identified that triggers multiple sclerosis disease through epigenetic regulation, with a protective variant reducing the risk. The study found that people with the major risk variant HLA-DRB1*15:01 have increased expression of the HLA-DRB1 gene, increasing the risk for MS.
Researchers have identified pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death associated with inflammation, as a key mechanism in multiple sclerosis. The discovery of the process and its link to brain cells has led to the development of a potential new treatment using an anti-inflammatory drug.
Researchers found that atrophied brain lesions, rather than new or expanding lesions, predict disability progression in multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that the disappearance of brain lesions into cerebrospinal fluid may be a more accurate indicator of disease worsening.
Research from the University of Missouri finds that workplace dress codes present a significant barrier to people living with disabilities, leading to increased stigma and decreased confidence. The study highlights the need for inclusive and adaptive clothing options to promote workplace inclusivity.
A chemical compound called indazole chloride has been shown to produce beneficial inflammation and remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients. This process can help repair damaged axons and restore myelin, potentially reducing disability burden. The findings provide a promising new treatment avenue for the disease.
Researchers compared two tests for assessing learning deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS), revealing clear differences in performance. The Open Trial Selective Reminding Test (OT-SRT) identified all participants as impaired, while the California Verbal Learning Test II (CVLT-II) only identified 34% as similarly impaired. Differences in...
A study published in Nature sheds light on the connection between the gut and brain, revealing a new pathway that may help guide therapies for multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases. Researchers found that compounds produced by gut microbes can limit inflammation in the brain through their influence on microglia.
UNIGE researchers found that a DNA-binding factor called TOX triggers immune cells to cause autoimmune tissue destruction in the brain. This discovery provides important insights into understanding and treating auto-immune diseases.
A six-year study by the University of Birmingham has found that analyzing spinal fluid from patients with MS at diagnosis can predict future disease progression. The research identified a distinct immune response, characterized by an unusual antibody ratio, which may indicate early trigger and risk of disability.
A team of scientists at FAU has discovered how protein molecules regulate the formation of myelin sheaths in the nervous system. The study found that Nfat proteins are essential for successful interaction between other protein molecules, and their inhibition can lead to myelin loss and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis.
Researchers challenge conventional thinking about MS root cause and develop new treatment approach by protecting myelin from immune attack. The study provides compelling evidence that MS could begin with myelin damage, opening new lines of thinking for this disease.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield have developed an algorithm that pairs wearable sensors with real-life data to monitor MS patients' walking patterns. This innovation helps clinicians assess treatment effectiveness and disease progression, leading to better patient outcomes.
A new study by Penn Medicine neurologist Amit Bar-Or presents findings on ocrelizumab's impact on multiple sclerosis patients, including reduced inflammation and lower vaccine response levels. The research also explores the role of ocrelizumab in limiting MS attacks.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that starting MS drugs early may be better than letting the disease run its course. Disease-modifying therapies can alter or change the course of MS, reducing relapses and slowing disease progression.
Dr. Steven Galetta has been awarded the 2018 A.B. Baker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Neurological Education by the American Academy of Neurology. He is recognized for his contributions to neurological education and leadership, as well as his research on MS, concussion, and optic nerve disorders.
A new study suggests that exposure to epsilon toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. Antibodies against the toxin were found in 43% of MS patients in the UK, compared to 16% of control group participants.
A compound derived from immune cells has been found to treat psoriasis in mice, with the potential to be effective against other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that the compound suppresses an inflammatory pathway that is overactive in these conditions.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have created a new disease model for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and MS using the TGF-β protein. This model shows that monocytes can transform into microglia-like cells in response to TGF-β, which could lead to the development of new immunotherapies for these devastating diseases.
Cognitive deficits affect 40-65% of MS patients, impacting daily living and employment status. Cognitive abilities decline when patients convert from RRMS to SPMS, particularly in learning new information and mental processing speed.
Expertise on DMTs is crucial for clinicians, and Dr. Coyle will cover induction versus escalation therapy, switching options, and stopping DMTs. With extensive experience in MS care and research, she aims to provide best practices on disease-modifying therapies.
A new study reveals that stroke survivors experience 'hidden' problems like sleep issues, depression, and fatigue, which can significantly affect their well-being. The study found that social support programs and executive function training may improve these areas.
A new drug, siponimod, has been shown to slow the progression of disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis for the first time. The trial involved 1645 patients and found that those given siponimod had a 21% lower risk of disability worsening compared to placebo.
Researchers identified an overabundance of calnexin protein in MS brain tissues, leading to resistance in mice models. This finding offers a promising target for developing new therapies to combat the disease.
Research suggests that living in areas with more sunlight, particularly UV-B rays, can lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Exposure in childhood and young adulthood is also linked to reduced risk. The study found a 45% reduced risk of MS in those living in sunnier climates compared to those with low UV-B ray exposure.
Researchers have proposed a new method of treating multiple sclerosis by using the EGFL7 protein to stabilize the blood-brain barrier and prevent immune cell migration. This approach has shown promise in model trials, reducing clinical symptoms and improving treatment outcomes.
A study suggests that consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and sardines, may lower the risk of multiple sclerosis. Researchers found a 45% reduced risk of MS among those with high fish intake compared to those with low or no fish consumption.
A new certification program for healthcare associates working with multiple sclerosis patients is now available. The MSHA Certification Examination covers fundamentals of MS and multidisciplinary management, including pharmacologic interventions and patient empowerment.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have shown that skin cells re-programmed into brain stem cells can help reduce inflammation and repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that using a patient's own skin cells could provide a personalized route to treating chronic inflammatory diseases like MS.
People with Multiple Sclerosis who experience stigma are more likely to suffer from depression, according to researchers. Having a strong support system and sense of autonomy can help reduce the negative effects of stigma.
Two studies found that women with MS who stop taking natalizumab before or after pregnancy experience increased disease activity and relapse rates compared to those who continue treatment. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first trimester, but this rate is small and within the general population range.
Scientists have discovered key regulators that control the inflammatory response in chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. The NOD2 pathway plays a critical role in detecting bacterial invaders, but faults in its regulation can lead to uncontrolled inflammation.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that extending natalizumab dosing intervals from every 4 weeks to 5-12 weeks significantly reduced the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but potentially fatal brain infection. The extended dosing regimen resulted in a 94% reduction in PML risk.
A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that balance and eye movement exercises can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their balance and reduce fatigue. The exercise program showed significant improvements in balance, fatigue, and dizziness scores compared to a control group.
Research reveals testosterone promotes a protective immune response in male mice by increasing IL-33 production, reversing symptoms in female mice with similar autoimmune disease. Sex differences in immune responses may underlie gender disparities in MS and other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers identified a guardian molecule triggered by testosterone that protects males from disease. Treatment with the molecule eliminated symptoms in female mice, offering hope for new MS therapies.
The Kessler Foundation has been awarded a major federal grant to train doctoral-level rehabilitation researchers in partnership with Rutgers University. The five-year grant aims to improve overall health and function of individuals with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
Researchers have developed a novel PET tracer that can measure damage from multiple sclerosis by targeting potassium channels, providing quantitative information about underlying biochemical processes. This breakthrough has the potential to improve diagnosis and monitoring for MS patients.
Dr. Helen Genova has been awarded a $44,000 grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to study emotional processing deficits in people with MS. The research aims to improve facial affect recognition and enhance quality of life for individuals with MS.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Mikael Simons from the Technical University of Munich discovered that cholesterol crystals can prevent regeneration in multiple sclerosis patients. The team also identified a novel oligodendroglial cell type involved in myelin formation, which may help develop new therapies for MS.
Researchers found that estrogen treatment exerts positive effects on immune cells in the brain and oligodendrocytes, providing complementary actions that protect against MS damage. Estrogen's protective effect is mediated by protein ERb, targeting both cell types for disease prevention.
Gene expression in specific cells and regions provides a more precise, neuroprotective approach than traditional treatments for neurological diseases. Increasing cholesterol synthesis gene expression in astrocytes of the spinal cord can repair nerves affected by walking in multiple sclerosis patients.