How do Canadians with MS feel about MS treatments? This study was conducted in Ontario, Canada. Here are the main results: participants tend to avoid seeking healthcare services until they felt threatened by their health state, and use emergency services. They feel traditional healthcare services fail to meet their complex care needs. Many are completely disengaging from traditional healthcare services in favor of alternative treatments.
This new study evaluated the benefits of the prescription drug glatiramer acetate on memory and cognition problems associated with MS. Researchers found this drug has a positive effect on cognitive function, information processing speed, and working memory.
Exercise, Physio, Robot Glove & Virtual Reality Training
An 8-week exercise program (combined aquatic plyometrics and Pilates, twice weekly) helps improve postural control, legs, and arm functions in individuals with MS, according to this new study.
Exercise improves MS symptoms, body weight, slows down the myelin break down and has a positive impact on brain gene expression, according to this study (animal models of MS)
This new study is a randomized controlled trial. The results: HIIT (high-intensity interval training) has a stronger impact on the quality of life and performance skills when compared with moderate training in those with MS.
Physiotherapy works. This new study evaluated specific exercise programs for MS symptoms. Some exercises were linked with improved gait performance, while others with a significant reduction in fatigue.
A combination of Virtual reality training (VRT)and conventional physical training (CPT) works better than using these therapies alone, according to this new study and could be used for MS rehab programs to recover motor control.
Assistive robot glove is helpful to increase grip strength after stroke in for people with MS, according to this new study.
Mindfulness, CBT, Music Therapy & Spirituality
Music therapy can help improve MS symptoms. In this new pilot study, a so-called neurologic music therapy showed benefits in combination with cognitive therapy – especially for cognition, memory, emotional status, mood, motivation, and quality of life.
Cognitive behavior therapy significantly improves insomnia, fatigue, depression, and anxiety, according to this new study (pilot randomized control trial)
This new study (controlled trial) investigating the effect on a Program Reduction Stress Based-Mindfulness (MBSR) on disability associated with MS. Researchers concluded that this program could reduce function disability.
Another new study (randomized controlled trial) found mindfulness therapy beneficial to manage depression and pain associated with MS.
Worth getting in touch with your spiritual side. Spirituality education using 90-minute sessions – can significantly decrease anxiety and depression associated with MS, according to this new randomized controlled trial.
Diet & Supplements
A new study looking at the link between vitamin D supplementation and MS management. The study found that each 25 nmol/L increase in vitamin D levels (serum 25(OH)D is associated an average 10% decrease in new relapses and a 14–31% reduction in the risk of diseases activity (on imaging tests) in those with early relapsing MS.
Coconut oil+ EGCG (green tea’s active ingredient) helps manage MS symptoms. This new randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial found that the group who consumed EGCG (800 mg) and coconut oil (60 ml), for 4 months experienced an improvement in anxiety levels and functional disability, as well as decreased inflammation (IL-6 levels). All participants followed the Mediterranean diet.
Melatonin (3 mg daily for 24 weeks) was found beneficial to reduce markers of inflammation (ie IL-6) and may help manage MS , according to this new study (randomized controlled )
The benefits of resveratrol for MS, other autoimmune conditions and cancer are reviewed in this new study. Other benefits of resveratrol include anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant qualities and improve heart health.
Glycyrrhizin- the key active ingredient in licorice- has the potential to halt disease progression in brain degenerative conditions – MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, according to this new study. Technical: Glycyrrhizin’s effects in neurological disorders are mainly attributed to the attenuation of neuronal damage by inhibiting HMGB1 expression and translocation; plus it downregulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines.
Boswellia species, having neuroprotective potential, makes them a promising candidate to cure or prevent neurodegenerative disorders, suggests this new study.
MS linked with an increased risk of heart disease and other conditions
If you have MS you should ask your doctor to assess and test your heart function. This new study (a review of multiple studies )explores the link between MS and an increased risk of heart complications- including orthostatic intolerance/dizziness in around 50% of patients. Heart diseases also appear to be associated with disease duration and to be more common in progressive than relapsing-remitting MS.
MS, and other brain degenerative conditions are associated with changes in fat metabolism. A good review of different fatty components and how they are affected in MS, in this new study.
MS also associated with other conditions, as well- this new review of multiple studies found that the most common comorbidities in MS patients are abnormal cholesterol levels, hypertension, depression, enlarged prostate, type 2 diabetes, and spinal (disc) diseases.
More News
MS misdiagnosed in 1 out of 5 cases, according to this new Russian study. Note: other studies found that up to 30% of MS cases may be misdiagnosed.
Multiple sclerosis following bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is becoming more and more popular for managing obesity. Previously, researchers found that this type of surgery can cause neurological problems. This new study describes 5 cases of MS developed following bariatric surgery.
