Multiple sclerosis
A first-of-its-kind technology is boosting the benefit of physical therapy for MS patients through electrical pulses that aim to ‘rewire’ the brain and activate neural pathways. Physical therapy is an essential aspect of treating MS, but it has its limitations. In most cases, MS affects the cerebellum, also known as the brain stem. Physical therapy [...]
As medical director of Holy Name’s renowned MS Center in New Jersey, Dr Mary Ann Picone is a hugely influential figure in the movement to advance MS treatments. NR Times speaks to her about challenges, opportunities and new developments in the MS field. Not so long ago, being diagnosed with MS meant an end to life as you knew it. So bleak was the outlook, recalls Dr Mary Ann Picone, that America’s MS community came up with a phrase soaked in gallows humour – “diagnose and adios”. Although as recently as the 1980s there were virtually no treatment options for clinicians to turn to, however, there are now numerous; and Dr Picone, who has been on the frontline of MS drug development in the decades since, has played an important role in helping to drive this. Read on to find out about the emerging therapies that will shape MS treatment in the coming years and Dr Picone's views on the road ahead in MS research.
Cross-talk between cells can modulate disease progression, research reveals
NR Times speaks to UCLA researcher Dr Kevin Patel about the potential of metformin in MS care and an upcoming human trial assessing its efficacy.
NR Times meets leading neuroscientist and MS expert Deborah Backus about the boundary-pushing research taking place at the Shepherd Centre in Atlanta.
Deborah Backus, vice president of research and innovation at the Shepherd Centre, Atlanta, has dedicated her career to researching MS and spinal cord injury. She initially began studying motor control in monkeys, but after a “lightbulb moment” during her PhD in neuroscience, she realised she needed to do more to “help clinicians understand the scientific evidence and how it can inform their practice”. As director of MS research at the world-leading hospital, Dr Backus is putting this passion into practice. The Shepherd Centre treats people across the entire continuum of care, covering spinal cord injury, acquired and traumatic brain injury, MS and chronic pain. Alongside its clinical work, the centre also contains corresponding research departments which carry out clinical trials that seek to directly improve clinical knowledge and patients’ quality of life. Dr Backus speaks to NR Times about the importance of translating research into clinical research and how her career has been shaped by a passion for making research actionable.
Remote walking exercise also found to be most beneficial, giving options in remote rehab
Gavin Crocker shares his experience of MS and how rehab is supporting him in his life
The MS Trust offers advice to help couples cope with the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis
People with Multiple Sclerosis, as well as loved ones and health professionals, urged to be part of the conversation
Study sheds new light on potential to limit or reverse disability from neurological condition
