http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/multiple_sclerosis/ Information on multiple sclerosis. Read current research articles and learn about multiple sclerosis symptoms as well as the latest MS treatment options. en-us Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:05:01 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/multiple_sclerosis/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123171418.htm New research suggests that a common oral bacterium may exacerbate autoimmune disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, affects nearly 1 in 700 people in the United States. Patients with multiple sclerosis have a variety of neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness, difficulty in moving, and difficulty in speech. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123171418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124152759.htm A set of protein processes required in the early-stage conversion of glucose into fatty acids are critical to the proper formation and layering of myelin membrane, according to researchers. Essential to the proper functioning of the nervous system, myelin sheaths surround the axons of neurons and provide insulating effects that speed nerve conduction. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124152759.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116165735.htm Magnetic resonance images of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in childhood show that pediatric onset multiple sclerosis is more aggressive, and causes more brain lesions, than MS diagnosed in adulthood, researchers have reported. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116165735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118163550.htm There is good news for women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. A new study shows that pregnant women with multiple sclerosis are only slightly more likely to have cesarean deliveries and babies with a poor prenatal growth rate than women who do not have MS. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118163550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173400.htm Teenage women who are obese may be more than twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as adults compared to female teens who are not obese, according to a new study. Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105401.htm A woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient, according to a study that examined the role gender played in so-called "partner abandonment." The study also found that the longer the marriage the more likely it would remain intact. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204425.htm Stem cells isolated from the brain of adult mice (adult neural stem cells [aNSCs]) have shown very modest therapeutic effects in a mouse model of the chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease multiple sclerosis. But now, researchers have developed an approach to enhance the therapeutic effects of aNSCs in this model of multiple sclerosis, something that they hope might increase the chance that aNSC-based therapies might one day be developed for clinical use. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014144727.htm Physical therapists studying persons with multiple sclerosis found that excessive force often used for gripping can be eased by gently touching the hand or arm in use, raising the possibility of new therapy approaches. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014144727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914111535.htm Over the last 40 years, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been repeatedly associated with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Researchers offer new data that further support the link. In the brain lesions of patients with multiple sclerosis her team found abnormal accumulation of EBV infected B lymphocytes. Similar findings were made in the pathological tissues of patients with other autoimmune diseases. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914111535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911083327.htm A new study has found that two genes in mice were associated with good central nervous system repair in multiple sclerosis. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911083327.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909181750.htm The virus responsible for PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy), a rare brain disease that typically affects AIDS patients and other individuals with compromised immune systems, has been found to be reactivated in multiple-sclerosis patients being treated with natalizumab (Tysabri), according to new research. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909181750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831214015.htm In view of the potential severe side effects of new immune therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), research is now focused on the optimized use of established drugs with known side effect profiles. Neurologists in Germany are pursuing a pharmacogenetic approach. They were able to prove that the genetic blueprint of specific transporter proteins allows one to draw conclusions on the effectiveness and risk of side effects of the potent agent mitoxantrone. They hope to be able to develop personalized treatment plans for each individual patient. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831214015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701102908.htm Scientists have uncovered new evidence suggesting that damage to nerve cells in people with multiple sclerosis accumulates because the body's natural mechanism for repair of the nerve coating called "myelin" stalls out. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701102908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817184437.htm Turning serendipity into science, researchers have found a link, in mice and in human brain tissue, between high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis. Their findings suggest that a safe, inexpensive drug already in wide use for high blood pressure may have therapeutic value in multiple sclerosis, as well. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817184437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190636.htm Persons with multiple sclerosis who smoked for a little as six months during their lifetime had more destruction of brain tissue and more brain atrophy than MS patients who never smoked, a study by neuroimaging specialists has shown. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729170637.htm Cognitive testing may help people with inactive or benign multiple sclerosis better predict their future with the disease, according to a new study. Gender and brain lesions may also determine the risk of progression of MS years after diagnosis. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729170637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720102016.htm Cells of the immune system communicate using molecular messengers. One group of these substances are interferons. During a virus infection, the immune system increases the production of interferons such as Beta-Interferon, thus alerting immune cells to combat the infection. Furthermore, Beta-interferon also has tumor-fighting qualities and -- used as a therapeutic against multiple sclerosis -- is of major importance for medicine. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720102016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721091835.htm Researchers report on the first lab-grown motor nerves that are insulated and organized just like they are in the human body. The model system will drastically improve understanding of the causes of myelin-related conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy and later, possibly multiple sclerosis. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721091835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713170703.htm Patients with multiple sclerosis who smoke appear to experience a more rapid progression of their disease, according to a new report. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713170703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629100651.htm Researchers have ameliorated inflammation of the brain in mice caused by immune cells. A receptor they discovered on T cells in the CNS plays the key role. They showed that this bradykinin receptor 1 controls the infiltration of immune cells into the CNS. When they activated B1 in mice with encephalitis, the inflammation markedly decreased. This may unveil a new target for the treatment of diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629100651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120844.htm The pursuit of happiness characterizes the human condition. But for those suffering from stress, money trouble or chronic illness, a positive outlook on life can be difficult to find. Now, a researcher says we should look to our genes. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091129.htm Researchers have created the first lab-grown motor nerves that are insulated and organized the same way they are in the body. The group's model system could dramatically improve understanding of the causes of myelin-related conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy and Guillian-Barré syndrome, potentially enabling the discovery and testing of new drug therapies. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610133503.htm Despite intensive research, the factors that trigger multiple sclerosis and influence its progress remain unclear. Scientists have succeeded in attaining three important new insights into the disease. It would appear that B cells play an unexpected role in the spontaneous development of multiple sclerosis and that particularly aggressive T cells are activated by different proteins. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610133503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608162432.htm Women with multiple sclerosis who breastfeed exclusively for at least two months appear less likely to experience a relapse within a year after their baby's birth, according to a new report. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608162432.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526171809.htm A drug currently FDA-approved for use in diabetes shows some protective effects in the brains of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, researchers report. Thu, 28 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526171809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526094253.htm Statins, a commonly prescribed class of drugs used by millions worldwide to effectively lower blood cholesterol levels, may actually have a negative impact in multiple sclerosis patients treated with high daily dosages. Thu, 28 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526094253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522081203.htm Researchers have found that the synthetic retinoid AM80 is effective in treating early symptoms in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Tue, 26 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522081203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519134826.htm A new protein identified as critical to insulating the wiring that connects the brain and body could one day be a treatment target for divergent diseases, from rare ones that lower the pain threshold to cancer, researchers say. Tue, 26 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519134826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430065813.htm Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, including neurons in the gray matter. Researchers have identified a specific protein targeted by the misdirected immune defenses, which is produced both by neurons and the myelin sheaths that are attacked. Thu, 07 May 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430065813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429205604.htm Researchers have identified a correlation between higher levels of glutamate, which occurs naturally in the brain as a byproduct of metabolism, and greater disease burden in multiple sclerosis patients. The study is the first to measure glutamate toxicity in the brain over time and suggests an improved method for tracking the disease and predicting its course. Thu, 07 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429205604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430101443.htm Using a steroid drug for multiple sclerosis in addition to an MS drug may reduce the amount of disease activity more than using the MS drug alone, according to a new study. Sat, 02 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430101443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429205613.htm A new drug for multiple sclerosis can dramatically reduce the chances of a relapse or a deterioration of the condition. The results of a major trial show that taking a course of cladribine tablets just a few times a year can reduce the chances of a relapse by well over 50 per cent. If it becomes available to patients, cladribine will be the first licensed treatment for MS which does not involve regular injections. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429205613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423193940.htm A preliminary study on the use of stem cells obtained from a patient's own adipose tissue in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has shown promising results. The three case studies support further clinical evaluation of stromal vascular fraction cells in MS and other autoimmune conditions. Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423193940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409103342.htm Scientists have successfully created, from human embryonic stem (ES) cells, cells that can make myelin, opening up new possibilities for basic and clinical research. Myelin loss, as occurs in multiple sclerosis, stops nerves from working with devastating consequences. Creating these cells has long been a challenge partly because they take an unexpectedly long time to develop from human ES cells. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409103342.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330165806.htm A new study shows that people with multiple sclerosis may be at a lower risk for cancer overall, but at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as brain tumors and bladder cancer. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330165806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330200722.htm Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats have discovered a surprising ability of the central nervous system to repair itself and restore function. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330200722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317142841.htm A new type of brain imaging scanner shows that intelligence is strongly influenced by the quality of the brain's axons or wiring that sends signals throughout the brain. The faster the signaling, the faster the brain processes information. And since the integrity of the brain's wiring is influenced by genes, the genes we inherit play a far greater role in intelligence than was previously thought. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317142841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302183248.htm Epstein-Barr virus, the pathogen that causes mononucleosis, appears to play a role in the neurodegeneration that occurs in persons with multiple sclerosis, researchers have shown. Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302183248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090226210041.htm The experimental drug fampridine (4-aminopyridine) improves walking ability in some individuals with multiple sclerosis. That is the conclusion of a multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090226210041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220164950.htm People who start smoking before age 17 may increase their risk for developing multiple sclerosis, according to a new study. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220164950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090213103053.htm An elaborate statistical analysis of genes from more than 7,000 individuals has identified an amino acid that appears to be a major risk factor for multiple sclerosis, a devastating autoimmune disorder that afflicts 2.5 million people worldwide. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090213103053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090205093552.htm Researchers have found evidence that a direct interaction between vitamin D and a common genetic variant alters the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The research suggests that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and the early years may increase the risk of the offspring developing MS later in life. Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090205093552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090129213441.htm Researchers appear to have reversed the neurological dysfunction of early-stage multiple sclerosis patients by transplanting their own immune stem cells into their bodies and thereby "resetting" their immune systems. This is the first time neurological disability has been reversed in MS. The patients' disease also stabilized. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090129213441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090112201121.htm Patients who develop multiple sclerosis before age 18 appear to experience more relapses of symptoms than those diagnosed with the disease as adults, according to a new report. Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090112201121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222221453.htm Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that progresses overtime, with increasing disability. It occurs when the immune system inappropriately attacks both the sheath that insulates and protects the nerve cells and the cells that make this sheath, oligodendrocytes. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222221453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081210171857.htm With more and more people having brain MRIs for various reasons, doctors are finding people whose scans show signs of multiple sclerosis even though they have no symptoms of the disease. A new study published in Neurology found that a third of these people developed MS within an average of about five years. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081210171857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081201105851.htm Researchers in Germany have succeeded in vaccinating mice with specially treated, autologous immune cells and preventing them from developing encephalitis, which is similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081201105851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081110163816.htm Regular magnetic resonance imaging evaluations show that only about half of patients with multiple sclerosis achieve and sustain a response to treatment with interferon beta over three years, according to a new study in the Archives of Neurology. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081110163816.htm