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Multiple sclerosis linked to higher risk of mental illness during and after pregnancy

A new study found that people with multiple sclerosis experience a significantly higher risk of perinatal mental illness compared to those with other chronic conditions. Depression and anxiety were the most common conditions reported, with half of people with MS living with a mental illness in the first year postpartum.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

Brain inflammation alters behaviour according to sex

Researchers found that neuroinflammation in the hippocampus significantly alters motivation and behaviour in mice, particularly in females. This study suggests that treatments targeting hippocampal neuroinflammation could help reduce cognitive and behavioural symptoms in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Depression.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

How do MS drugs affect pregnancy?

Pregnant women with MS receiving disease-modifying therapies show increased risk of low birth weight and serious infections. Exposure to S1P modulators, natalizumab, and anti-CD20 antibodies is particularly concerning.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2024

Cutting early life exposure to parental smoking may lower MS risk in genetically prone

Research published online in Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that cutting early life exposure to parental smoking may lower the risk of developing MS in those who are genetically predisposed. The study also showed an interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors for MS, associated with certain aspects of...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2024

Kessler Foundation’s Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD, honored with Women in Neurodegenerative Disease Rehabilitation Science Award from ACRM

Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD, of Kessler Foundation has received the Women in Neurodegenerative Disease Rehabilitation Science Award for her groundbreaking research on multiple sclerosis and cognitive assessment. Her work aims to improve quality of life among individuals with neurological conditions through innovative rehabilitation science.

New research identifies ways to protect neurons from the negative effect of high-fat diet on multiple sclerosis progression

Researchers found that specific enzymes in neurons mediate the toxicity of diets rich in palm oil, leading to mitochondrial damage and neurodegeneration. Inactivating these enzymes provides neuroprotection, suggesting a potential pathway for slowing diet-induced symptom severity in MS patients.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalGlia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Healthy brains suppress inappropriate immune responses

Scientists discovered that fragments of immune-stimulating proteins, called guardian peptides, are produced by the brain and spinal cord to maintain a healthy balance between defending against injury and infection and guarding healthy tissue. These peptides activate regulatory T cells to dampen abnormal immune reactions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Researchers have identified specific human endogenous retrovirus sequences associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The study suggests that these viral elements contribute to disease susceptibility by influencing brain function.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

For multiple sclerosis, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce fatigue

A University of Michigan-led study found that treatment with either modafinil or cognitive behavioral therapy alone was associated with significant reductions in fatigue over 12 weeks. A combination of both treatments worked as well as each individual treatment but did not result in better fatigue scores.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2024

New study finds a promising combined therapy for multiple sclerosis

A new study explores a promising combined therapy for multiple sclerosis, using tolerogenic dendritic cells modified with myelin antigens. Researchers found that these cells from patients have a persistent pro-inflammatory signature, making them less effective compared to those derived from healthy individuals.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024

Kessler Foundation scientists publish protocol for combining aerobic exercise and cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Kessler Foundation develop a new clinical protocol to improve learning and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis who have mobility disability. The study combines aerobic exercise with virtual reality and cognitive rehabilitation, showing potential synergistic effects on cognitive improvements.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·DateSep 3, 2024

Can a computer tell patients how their multiple sclerosis will progress?

A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that machine learning models can reliably predict the disability progression of multiple sclerosis. The models were trained on data from 15,240 adults with at least three years of MS history and had an average accuracy of 0.71 ± 0.01.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2024

Backward walking speed reserve assessment offers improved clinical screening for risks and decline in MS patients

A new methodology, backward walking speed reserve, measures an individual's capacity to increase their walking speed on demand in the backward direction. This assessment is linked to disease severity, falls risk, and cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis patients.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2024

B cells drive responses of other immune cells, and can be modified to prevent Multiple Sclerosis symptoms

Researchers found that abnormally active B cell metabolism causes an inflammatory immune response in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), leading to nerve damage and symptoms. Emerging BTK inhibitors alter this abnormal B cell respiration, stopping the signaling that leads to MS flare-ups.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024