Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have re-examined multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical course descriptions to provide a framework for both clinical research and ongoing clinical care. The proposed 2013 revisions include improved clinical descriptive terminology, MRI imaging, and analysis of fluid biomarkers.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique to track Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression from its earliest stages. The study uses QS Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to measure damage in specific brain areas, revealing that even at early disease stages, patients already show significant damage.
Dr. Ekaterina Dobryakova, a postdoctoral fellow at Kessler Foundation, received an award to study motivation's influence on cognitive fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The research aims to determine whether motivation activates brain regions thought to be impaired in cognitive fatigue.
Researchers found that human neural stem cells can repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) in mice, allowing them to walk again. The breakthrough has significant implications for developing a new treatment approach for MS patients.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a new stem cell therapy that shows promise for treating multiple sclerosis in humans. In a mouse model, the therapy resulted in significant recovery of mobility and function after implantation of human stem cells into the spinal cord.
Researchers found that females susceptible to MS produce higher levels of the blood vessel receptor protein S1PR2 than males, leading to the inflammation that causes MS. The study's findings have implications for developing new treatments, including a drug that disables S1PR2.
A new study reveals that leptin acts directly on neurons in the preoptic region of the hypothalamus to regulate peripheral levels of leutinizing hormone, essential for reproduction. The study demonstrates that leptin communicates the status of peripheral energy stores to GnRH-releasing neurons via the preoptic hypothalamus.
A low-fat diet may help alleviate fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that participants who followed a plant-based diet very low in saturated fat had significantly less fatigue at the end of the year compared to those who didn't follow the diet.
Researchers found that a new version of an old MS drug reduced patient relapses and lesion development by 36% compared to placebo. The updated formulation allowed for longer injection intervals, potentially increasing compliance and quality of life for MS patients.
A study confirms that brain reserve and cognitive reserve provide protective effects against cognitive decline in MS patients. The beneficial effects of these reserves persist for several years.
A clinical study of 158 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) found that combining Copaxone with estriol improved symptom reduction by 12 months, but the effect waned over time. The results suggest a potential benefit to supplementing Copaxone therapy with estrogen.
The American Academy of Neurology review found that medical marijuana can help treat spasticity, pain, and overactive bladder in multiple sclerosis patients. However, its effectiveness in other neurologic diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, Tourette syndrome, cervical dystonia, and epilepsy remains uncertain.
Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, was named the 63rd Mendel Lecturer by Saint Peter's University for her research on treating cognitive deficits following neurological illness and injury. Her work focuses on improving cognition in individuals with multiple sclerosis, TBI, stroke, and dementia.
A new study found that reducing B cell levels can significantly decrease brain lesions and disease activity in people with relapsing-remitting MS. The research showed that maintaining B cell levels below a threshold of 32-64 cells per microliter resulted in an annualized rate of less than one new brain lesion per year.
The article provides evidence-based information on the latest treatments for multiple sclerosis, highlighting the benefits and risks of various therapies. Steroids are found to be the most effective way to treat relapses, while immunosuppressants like natalizumab and fingolimod have varying degrees of success.
Researchers will assess daily tasks like buying tickets and making food using the internet's Actual Reality platform. The goal is to broaden assessment scope for people with MS, making it more accessible and relevant.
Saint Louis University researcher Daniel Hawiger is awarded $608,376 to investigate immunological tolerance and its failures in multiple sclerosis (MS). He hopes to develop targeted therapies that selectively suppress immune-mediated damage without side effects.
Kessler Foundation will conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of speed of processing training on cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis. The study aims to improve everyday functioning and address the impact of processing speed deficits on daily activities.
Researchers have discovered how new MS drug dimethyl fumarate works, blocking inflammatory cell infiltration in the central nervous system by targeting a specific receptor. The study found that DMF reduces neurological deficits in mice with multiple sclerosis-like symptoms.
The Kessler Foundation will lead a new MS Collaborative Network of New Jersey, focusing on cognitive-motor interactions in MS. The network aims to design and conduct novel studies and expand professional training to improve treatment options for people with MS.
The guideline states that certain forms of medical marijuana in pill or oral spray form may help reduce patients' reported spasticity symptoms, pain due to spasticity, and frequent urination. However, long-term safety of medical marijuana use is not known, and potential side effects include seizures, dizziness, and psychological problems.
Researchers found detectable JC virus DNA in at least one cell subtype of 26 out of 49 patients with MS starting natalizumab therapy. This study suggests that ongoing studies are needed to investigate the mechanism behind PML in natalizumab-treated MS patients.
Lauren Strober, a neuropsychologist at Kessler Foundation, has been awarded a $75,000 Patterson Trust Award to investigate factors influencing employment in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Her research aims to address the high rate of unemployment among MS patients and explore long-term outcomes associated with leaving the workforce.
Researchers found elevated body temperature linked to worse fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, supporting previous studies on cooling garments and antipyretics. The study suggests a complex relationship among fatigue, body temperature, and inflammatory processes.
A recent clinical trial has found that statins can slow the progression of advanced multiple sclerosis, a disease that gradually causes patients to become more disabled. The study showed that patients taking simvastatin achieved better scores on movement tests and questionnaires compared to those on a placebo.
A phase 2 study found that simvastatin slowed brain atrophy by 43% over two years compared to placebo. The medication was well-tolerated and showed small but significant improvements in disability scales.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that PD-L1 is significantly increased in the spinal cord and infiltrating lymphocytes of mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis. This suggests that PD-L1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found that women who are obese at age 20 are twice as likely to develop MS later in life. Additionally, those who used hormonal contraceptives for at least three months were 35% more likely to develop MS compared to non-users, highlighting a potential contributing factor to the rise in MS cases among women.
Researchers found that self-generation may be influenced by variables such as task meaningfulness during learning and memory in MS. Significantly more words were recalled from the generated condition, indicating a more effective learning strategy.
Researchers found an antibody to KIR4.1 protein in the blood of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) years before symptoms appeared, suggesting a potential role in disease development. The study's findings may help detect MS earlier, enabling better treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that discarding data from subjects with multiple sclerosis who exhibit significant head movement during fMRI may bias sampling away from those with lower cognitive ability. This could lead to skewed results if not addressed by correcting for motion or recruiting a diverse range of participants.
A study found that watching videos of tasks before performing them can boost brain structure and increase motor skills in healthy adults. The group who completed this type of training showed significantly improved motor skill abilities compared to those who watched landscape videos.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new type of regulatory blood cell that can fight hyperactive T-cells causing chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis. The cells express FoxA1, which suppresses inflammation and degeneration of the brain.
A new study reveals that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and OSA risk is a significant predictor of fatigue severity. OSA may contribute to the debilitating fatigue experienced by MS patients, and clinicians should evaluate for underlying sleep disturbances.
A University of Michigan study finds 56% of MS patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, despite only 21% having an established diagnosis. The researchers suggest that treating sleep apnea may help alleviate fatigue in MS patients.
A study published in Neuron has identified a small protein, Endothelin-1, that can be targeted to promote repair of damaged brain tissue in multiple sclerosis patients. The molecule inhibits myelin repair, and blocking it or using genetic approaches may help restore myelin in the brain.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to be a reliable predictor of employment status in people with MS, distinguishing employed from unemployed individuals. The study analyzed demographic and disease-related factors to identify predictors of employment status.
The FDA has approved a new multiple sclerosis treatment regimen developed at Wayne State University, which involves injecting Copaxone at a higher dose but fewer times per week. The study demonstrated that this dosing regimen is effective and safe, with reduced relapse rates and improved tolerability.
A multicenter research team led by Cedars-Sinai neurologist Nancy Sicotte used a new automated technique to identify shrinkage of the right hippocampus in women with multiple sclerosis and depressive symptoms. The study found reduced size of the right hippocampus, while the left remained unchanged.
Researchers found that epsilon toxin from Clostridium perfringens kills brain's myelin-producing cells and targets other cells associated with MS inflammation. The toxin may be responsible for triggering MS in genetically susceptible individuals.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that the risk of relatives developing multiple sclerosis is lower than previously thought. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 individuals diagnosed with MS in Sweden, revealing a seven-fold increased risk for siblings and a five-fold increased risk for children of MS patients.
A large-scale US study reveals that people with multiple sclerosis have a decreased life expectancy compared to the general population. The median lifespan of MS patients was found to be 6 years less than that of non-MS individuals, with annual mortality rates being significantly higher.
A study found that higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower risk of new brain lesions, relapses, and faster decline in brain volume. Patients with low vitamin D levels early on may experience long-term increased MS activity and progression.
A new study found that low levels of vitamin D in early MS patients are associated with increased disease severity and progression. Increasing vitamin D intake could help stave off symptoms, according to researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Patients with multiple sclerosis in Taiwan may be at a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, particularly breast cancer, according to a recent study published in European Journal of Neurology. The nationwide population-based cohort study found an 85% increased risk of cancer development among MS patients compared to controls.
A Swedish study found a dose-dependent inverse association between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The researchers suggest that patients with MS may not need to completely abstain from alcohol.
A pilot study will test the effectiveness of self-generated learning in individuals with multiple sclerosis who have memory and learning difficulties. Researchers aim to improve memory performance, functional performance, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered that an antioxidant called MitoQ can significantly reverse a multiple sclerosis-like disease in mice. The treatment reduced inflammation, demyelination, and neurological disabilities, showing promise for treating MS.
A new MRI approach called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has been validated for measuring Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression. QSM provides a quantitative way to measure myelin content and iron deposition in the brain, which are important factors in MS physiology. The study demonstrated that using the correct model can separ...
Researchers found that MSCs from MS patients exhibit higher senescence and decreased expression of immune system markers, suggesting a potential problem with autologous stem cell transplants. Allogenic bone marrow stem cells may be a preferable treatment option to maximize their therapeutic potential.
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that vitamin D appears to block damage-causing immune cells from migrating to the central nervous system, potentially preventing or easing symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The research suggests that vitamin D may slow a process allowing T cells to grab onto blood vessel walls.
A study published in Neurology suggests that a vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis may help prevent multiple sclerosis in people showing early signs of the disease. After six months, vaccinated individuals had fewer brain lesions than those who received a placebo, with 58% not developing MS compared to 30%.
A team at Gladstone Institutes has developed a molecular sensor that can detect the earliest signs of multiple sclerosis, including heightened thrombin activity in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and treatment options, shedding light on the underlying molecular processes that drive the disease.
A randomized controlled trial found that a modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) improved learning and memory in people with MS, leading to better daily functioning and increased satisfaction. The effects persisted for six months, providing first Class 1 evidence for cognitive rehabilitation in MS.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of multiple sclerosis, revealing warning signs and potential treatments. Researchers found that antibodies can break past the brain's protective barrier to attack the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing MS symptoms.
A new study by Kessler Foundation scientists investigates the neural correlates of cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis using functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. The findings suggest a 'fatigue-network' in persons with MS, which could help define the pathophysiology of this symptom.
Researchers found aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume, improves memory, and enhances connectivity in individuals with MS. Aerobic exercise resulted in significant benefits for memory but not other cognitive functions.
Researchers found greater BOLD activation in brain areas typically activated by MS patients during task performance when exposed to warmer temperatures. This suggests neural inefficiency and may impact independence, education, employment, and daily activities.
Researchers found increased iron deposits in deep gray matter of patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a precursor to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study also revealed subtle brain damage and lack of correlation between iron deposits and jugular vein diameter, casting doubt on the Zamboni hypothesis.
Researchers have identified a variant of common soil-based pathogen Clostridium perfringens type B as a potential multiple sclerosis trigger. The bacterium produces a toxin that targets damaged tissues in MS patients, with levels of epsilon toxin antibodies found to be 10 times higher in MS patients than healthy controls.