Multiple Sclerosis News and Research

Latest Multiple Sclerosis News and Research

Discovery may lead to new approach for treating MS

Around 2.5 million people are affected by the autoimmune disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the commonest central nervous system disease among young adults.

17 Oct 2017

MRI brain scans can reveal MS risk in children before clinical symptoms appear

By the time multiple sclerosis (MS) is diagnosed in children, it may be difficult to prevent the disabilities and relapses that come with the disease. In a new Yale School of Medicine study, researchers examined MRI brain scans to identify children at high risk of developing MS before symptoms appear, which may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

13 Oct 2017

Researchers find significant increase in risk factors among people with stroke

Despite prevention efforts, researchers have found a significant increase over a 10-year period in the percentage of people with stroke who have high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and other risk factors for stroke.

12 Oct 2017

Allergy medication restores nervous system function in patients with chronic MS

In a remarkably rapid translation of laboratory research findings into a treatment with the potential to benefit patients, UC San Francisco scientists have successfully completed a Phase II clinical trial showing that an FDA-approved antihistamine restores nervous system function in patients with chronic multiple sclerosis (MS).

11 Oct 2017

Women with high blood pressure in their 40s may more likely develop dementia later

Women who develop high blood pressure in their 40s may be more likely to develop dementia years later, according to a study published in the October 4, 2017, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

4 Oct 2017

Transcranial direct current stimulation leads to reduction in MS-related fatigue

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who underwent a non-invasive form of electrical brain stimulation experienced significant reductions in fatigue, a common and often debilitating symptom of the disease, according to new research from the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center at NYU Langone Health.

3 Oct 2017

Caffeine may not relieve movement symptoms for people with Parkinson's

Contrary to previous research, caffeine may not relieve movement symptoms for people with Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the September 27, 2017, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

28 Sep 2017

Study identifies potential biomarker for onset, progression of MS

An article published in Experimental Biology and Medicine identifies Opioid Growth Factor (OGF) as a novel biomarker for the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS).

27 Sep 2017

First-ever treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma receives approval in Japan

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc. today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) has approved BAVENCIO (avelumab, genetically recombinant Injection 200mg/mL for intravenous use) as the first and only treatment indicated for curatively unresectable Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive cancer, in Japan.

27 Sep 2017

Novel gene therapy can inhibit, reverse multiple sclerosis in mouse models

Multiple sclerosis can be inhibited or reversed using a novel gene therapy technique that stops the disease's immune response in mouse models, University of Florida Health researchers have found.

21 Sep 2017

Caregivers draw support by mapping their relationships

Every time Jacque Pearson tried to devise a plan to move her 81-year-old dad, who has Alzheimer's, from his home in Boise, Idaho, to hers in Denver, she felt stuck. Then, two weeks ago, she had a breakthrough.

21 Sep 2017

Study finds link between concussion in adolescence and raised risk of later multiple sclerosis

A new study published in the Annals of Neurology found a link between head trauma in adolescence, particularly if repeated, with a raised risk of later developing multiple sclerosis.

21 Sep 2017

People with high and low magnesium levels in blood may have increased risk of dementia

People with both high and low levels of magnesium in their blood may have a greater risk of developing dementia, according to a study published in the September 20, 2017, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

20 Sep 2017

New nonpharmacological approach leads to reduction of cognitive fatigue in MS patients

A recent article by MS researchers describes a new nonpharmacological approach to reduce cognitive fatigue, a disabling symptom reported by as many as 90% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).

20 Sep 2017

New man-made antioxidant could help improve success rates of cell-based therapies

Cell therapies being developed to treat a range of conditions could be improved by a chemical compound that aids their survival, research suggests.

19 Sep 2017

Scientists discover markers for progressive multiple sclerosis

Scientists have uncovered two closely related cytokines -- molecules involved in cell communication and movement -- that may explain why some people develop progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), the most severe form of the disease.

18 Sep 2017

Blood vitamin D levels could help predict multiple sclerosis risk

A new study has shown that assessing blood vitamin D levels may help predict whether a person is at risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).

14 Sep 2017

Michigan Medicine researchers receive $3.5m to combat fatigue in MS patients

A new clinical trial will explore three interventions in improving one of the most disabling symptoms for people with multiple sclerosis: fatigue.

14 Sep 2017

PCORI Board awards $18 million for two new studies on sickle cell disease

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Board of Governors today approved about $18 million to fund two studies comparing different ways to manage the transition of people with sickle cell disease from pediatric to adult care.

13 Sep 2017

If you’re blindsided by health plan changes, learn the root causes — and your rights

How much notice is required if benefits change? Do insurers have to give you a heads up if your plan doesn't meet the minimum coverage standard under the Affordable Care Act? Readers' questions this month are centered around insurance notification requirements.

12 Sep 2017