Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
A recent Michigan Medicine study found that people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experience a myriad of significant symptoms that often cluster together. Nearly two-thirds of MS patients reported fatigue, half experienced pain in the first year after diagnosis. The research team collected questionnaires from MS patients at si...
Researchers from Kessler Foundation found that cognitive rehabilitation programs are effective in treating multiple sclerosis-related cognitive dysfunction. Behavioral interventions such as restorative and compensatory approaches improve cognition and daily life functioning.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have successfully used a synthetic compound to regulate the TREM2 gene, implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The findings raise hope for developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Researchers discovered Piezo1 selectively restrains Treg cells, limiting their potential to mitigate autoimmune neuroinflammation. Inhibiting Piezo1 could lead to new treatments for neuroinflammatory disorders like MS.
Researchers studied inflammation's role in scarring of the central nervous system in three diseases: multiple sclerosis, aquaporin-4 antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated disorder. In MS, scars lead to nerve fiber degeneration and slow worsening of disabili...
A diet rich in isoflavone may provide protection against multiple sclerosis-like symptoms when combined with specific gut bacteria that can break down the compound. The study found that mice fed an isoflavone diet had a microbiome similar to healthy individuals, while those without it lacked beneficial bacteria.
A new study published in Neurology found that despite lower socioeconomic status, Black people with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have more disability than white peers. The study discovered smaller brain lesions and slower cognitive and physical processing speeds among Black participants.
A new study found that high-efficacy multiple sclerosis drugs are more effective in reducing flare-ups and modifying progression compared to low-efficacy drugs. Participants with active secondary progressive MS who received high-efficacy medications experienced 30% fewer relapses and an average of 0.17 relapses per year.
A new study suggests that many MS complaints prior to diagnosis may not be a prodromal phase but rather relapses causing individuals to seek medical attention. The researchers found that these patients often exhibited typical MS symptoms, indicating the disease was fully active and not in a preliminary or prodromal phase.
Case Western Reserve University researcher Farren Briggs has been awarded $1.2 million to identify biomarkers for more accurate MS diagnoses. The goal is to monitor disease activity and progression, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.
Experts identify four under-researched areas critical to advancing symptom management in progressive MS, including fatigue, mobility impairment, pain, and cognitive impairment. Rehabilitative therapies show promise for managing these symptoms and improving physical and cognitive function.
A pilot study found that robotic-exoskeleton assisted exercise rehabilitation improved functional mobility, cognitive processing speed, and brain connectivity in people with significant MS-related disability. Four weeks of REAER was associated with large improvements compared to conventional gait training.
A new study finds that low serum levels of the sugar N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) are associated with progressive disability and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that GlcNAc deficiency may promote disease progression, providing potential avenues for identifying patients at risk.
Researchers have discovered that low levels of N-acetylglucosamine are associated with progressive MS, clinical disability and neurodegeneration. The simple sugar may serve as a biomarker and promote myelin repair, offering potential new avenues for treating the disease.
A new digital health solution aims to promote COVID-19 vaccination among patients with compromised health conditions like multiple sclerosis. Motivational Interviewing Conversational Agent MintBot will address vaccine hesitancy and facilitate immediate action.
Researchers developed miniature brain models using stem cells from human skin samples to study myelin, an insulating substance that helps nerve cells communicate. The models are a promising platform for studying neurological diseases and testing drugs for conditions linked to myelin loss, including multiple sclerosis.
A longitudinal study found that people with relapsing-remitting MS exhibit significant social cognition deficits, particularly in facial emotion recognition and empathy. These deficits are associated with psychological outcomes of daily living, such as depression and anxiety.
Researchers found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experience subtle language impairments that can be attributed to impaired executive functions or language ability. The study suggests the need for more comprehensive neuropsychological testing to fully understand cognitive profiles and provide optimal interventions.
A national survey of US multiple sclerosis specialist clinicians reveals the pandemic has changed how they deliver care, with fewer immunosuppressive agents prescribed and a shift towards telehealth platforms. Nearly 10% of respondents reported being redeployed to COVID-19 patient care.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new classification scheme for NMOSD, focusing on astrocyte degeneration and its four main types. The scheme provides a standardized approach for identifying the disease, which is distinct from multiple sclerosis and has more severe symptoms.
Vijay Kuchroo's research unravels the immune mechanisms of Multiple Sclerosis, identifying key proteins and molecules that regulate T cell activity. His work opens pathways to develop immune-modulating therapies and advance treatments for MS.
A preliminary study suggests that Black people with autoimmune neurologic diseases like multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder may respond differently to a common therapy meant to modulate the immune system. After treatment, 76% of Black patients had detectable B-cell levels, compared to 33.3% of white patients.
Researchers designed and synthesized acrylamide-based DHODH inhibitors for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The lead compound showed encouraging in vivo anti-arthritic effects in a dose-dependent manner.
Researchers used AI to identify three new MS subtypes based on brain images, which can help predict disease progression and treatment response. The study found a clear difference in patients' response to different treatments by subtype, paving the way for individualized treatment planning.
Researchers integrated gait data and machine learning to monitor and predict MS-related gait issues, detecting differences in gait patterns between participants. The study identified a butterfly diagram feature associated with critical neurological functions.
A study examined COVID-19 outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis, finding that certain patient characteristics are linked to worse outcomes. The analysis revealed associations between disease severity and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk factors.
A new study published in Neurology found that Medicare payments for neurology medications increased by 50% over five years, despite a 8% rise in claims. The majority of the increase was due to rising costs for neuroimmunology drugs, primarily used for multiple sclerosis.
A new study found that myelin loss is a major factor in age-related brain deterioration, leading to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers identified a key gene responsible for the reduced efficiency of cells that produce myelin with age.
A preliminary study found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at a higher risk of experiencing worsening symptoms during periods of anomalously warm weather. The study estimated an excess of over 2,900 medical visits related to MS due to rising temperatures.
The JDRF, Lupus Research Alliance and National Multiple Sclerosis Society have launched a joint grant program to investigate the immune system's role in autoimmune diseases. The program aims to identify common mechanisms that cause or contribute to the development of lupus, T1D, and MS.
Bergles pioneered the study of immature brain cells that can repair myelin after it's destroyed in multiple sclerosis. His work aims to promote myelin repair and restore function for people with MS.
Researchers identified two highly antigenic epitope markers predicting multiple sclerosis in optic neuritis patients, providing a novel blood biomarker. The study utilizes the Mimotope Variation Analysis technology to analyze over 500 clinical samples from Finnish and Estonian patients.
Researchers aim to provide initial data on ocrelizumab's impact on cognitive fatigue in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. A 3-year study involving three groups will assess levels of cognitive fatigue and brain activity, exploring the therapeutic effects of ocrelizumab.
A study found that pregnancies among women with multiple sclerosis were just as healthy as those without the disease. However, mothers with MS were more likely to have elective cesarean sections and babies born small for their gestational age due to symptoms like muscle weakness and fatigue.
Researchers found that a new remyelinating drug called indazole chloride improved vision in mice with multiple sclerosis by inducing remyelination and mitigating damage to the optic nerve. The study highlights the importance of early treatment to mitigate axon damage and recover 75-80% of original function.
A new study found that childhood trauma can increase susceptibility to multiple sclerosis and reduce responsiveness to treatment. The researchers discovered a key immune system receptor that triggers the disease progression when activated by stress hormones.
Researchers discovered that MS immune cells destroy excitatory synapses, impairing neural activity. However, the destruction is reversible upon inflammation resolution, offering new therapeutic approaches to slow disease progression.
A study found that intense immunosuppression followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplants can prevent disability associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) from getting worse in up to 71% of people with relapsing-remitting MS for up to 10 years. In some cases, disability improved over time.
The study will investigate whether treatment with Tysabri alleviates cognitive fatigue in individuals with MS. Researchers will use functional MRI to measure brain activation associated with cognitive fatigue, aiming to advance knowledge of the effects of Tysabri on this disabling symptom.
A new Yale University study finds that a lack of oleic acid in fat tissue can trigger an abnormal immune response in multiple sclerosis. Introducing oleic acids into fatty tissue increased regulatory T cells, which can help combat the disease.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered that a type of herpes virus may be causing a central nervous system disease in monkeys similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. The study found T cells linked to myelin loss, a critical component of MS, paving the way for potential antiviral therapies.
A compound developed at Oregon Health & Science University appears to protect nerve fibers and the fatty sheath of myelin that covers nerve cells. The discovery suggests the compound may also prevent damage from occurring, reducing inflammation and degeneration in multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Autoimmune diseases like T1D, SLE, MS, and RA exhibit common genetic risk, chronic inflammation, and tissue damage mechanisms. Target tissues participate in a deleterious dialogue with the immune system, contributing to disease progression.
A new study found that people in rural areas are less likely to receive specialty care from neurologists, with those living in urban areas more likely to see a specialist for common conditions like dementia and stroke. However, telemedicine can help extend neurological services to underserved areas.
Researchers identified a pathway involving astrocytes that sheds light on why seizures occur in some MS patients. The study found altered expression of EAAT2 and AQP4 proteins, leading to increased seizure activity.
A new study published in Neurology found that siponimod improved cognitive processing speed in people with advanced secondary progressive MS. The medication showed a 28% higher chance of sustained improvement compared to placebo, and reduced the risk of decline by 21%.
A neuroimaging study aims to identify underlying cognitive and brain processes impacted by MS, focusing on working memory and hippocampal changes. The study seeks to develop effective treatments for restoring lost memory function in individuals with MS.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) had a 72% greater risk of developing bladder cancer compared to those without the disease. However, breast and colorectal cancers did not show a significant association with MS.
A recent study has discovered a link between intestinal flora and inflammation in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis. IgA B cells play a key role in this process, accumulating in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue during acute flares of the illness.
Researchers have found that gut immune cells express an antibody called IgA, which helps protect against harmful bacteria and may help bring flare-ups under control. This discovery opens up new lines of research for therapeutics and suggests a potential new player in managing MS symptoms.
A promising MS drug called TEPP-46 has shown worsening effects on the disease in mouse models, causing inflammation redirection and T cell changes. The research suggests caution before moving the drug to human trials.
A new gene therapy project at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience seeks to repair brain damage caused by MS by identifying molecules that stimulate myelin and axon repair. The goal is to develop a drug promoting functional recovery of the nervous system, potentially revolutionizing treatment for advanced MS.
Researchers observed that brain ventricles expanded in MS patients during inflammation, but then shrunk back to normal size after symptoms subsided. This finding suggests that ventricle volume fluctuations may be reversible and have clinical relevance for monitoring disease progression.
Researchers have developed an immunotherapy approach that specifically impedes the autoimmune response driving MS, while preserving the rest of the immune system. In mouse models, the therapy prevented disease onset and reduced severity after disease onset.
A study led by UC Riverside found that 55% of respondents with advanced MS experienced some form of mistreatment, including emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, battering, and sexual assault. The researchers identified risk factors such as primary caregiving responsibilities and lower levels of social support.
Researchers have characterized a new population of T cells called ThGM cells that produce GM-CSF, contributing to autoimmune response in MS. The study found that ThGM cells induce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, suggesting their role in autoimmunity.
A study led by University of Zurich researchers found that the HLA-DR15 gene variant plays a significant role in developing multiple sclerosis. People with this genetic predisposition can develop an immune response against their own brain tissue if infected with certain viruses or bacteria, leading to the disease.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that an anti-inflammatory drug, VX-765, can slow disease progression in a preclinical model of multiple sclerosis when delivered intranasally. This new therapy approach has shown promise in preserving myelin and glucose metabolism.
A probiotic bacterial species significantly worsens multiple sclerosis severity in a mouse model. The study reveals the critical role of Lactobacillus reuteri in modulating disease risk, with colonized mice exhibiting more severe symptoms.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Lactobacillus reuteri, a commonly used probiotic, can exacerbate multiple sclerosis in mouse models. The research suggests that gut microbiome balance is crucial in chronic diseases and that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment may not be effective.