tDCS, Hypnotherapy and Mindfulness Meditation 

  • Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging non-invasive brain stimulation technique -may help reduce fatigue in individuals with MS, suggests this new study.

  • Hypnotherapy helps promote the psychological well-being of those affected by MS, according to this new randomized clinical trial. 

  • Using mindfulness meditation for one year may help improve cognitive and emotional well being, according to this new study. 



Exercise 

  • Pilates training along with massage could be proposed as a complementary treatment alongside medications to prevent disease progression in MS patients, suggests this new study. 

  • Exercise improves muscle strength, motor function, and decreasing depression and anxiety in women with MS, according to this new study that used an 8-week training program, using a combination of rhythmic aerobic and resistance training by bodyweight, Theraband, and TRX 

  • Aquatic exercises help improve postural control and hand function, in those with MS, according to this new randomized trial– which used two forms of aqua therapy  Halliwick (Hallw) and an Aquatic Plyometric Exercise (APE). 

Diet and Supplements

  • A modified Paleo diet shows more benefits (improvement in fatigue, cognitive scores) than an MCT based keto diet for MS management, according to this new randomized pilot study. Note: Dr. Terry Wahls is one of the authors of this study. 

  • A new book: Nutraceuticals and Human Health: The Food-to-supplement Paradigm includes the benefits of various plant compounds (flavonoids like quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, isoflavones; non-flavonoid polyphenols like saffron, curcumin, resveratrol; as well as vitamins) for MS and other neurodegenerative conditions.

  • A low calorie, high prebiotic fiber diet may help improve symptom severity, and some markers of inflammation found in MS, according to this new study. Note: prebiotics rich foods include chicory root, dandelion greens. Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, carrots, banana, oats, apple, Konjac root, cacao, flax seeds, and more.

  • This study evaluated changes in the gut flora between people with MS and healthy controls, as between MS subgroups. A second new study looked at gut dysbiosis associated with MS.  I wrote about the importance of gut flora here, and some changes were seen in MS here. 

The treatment for MS is not all that effective – an article written by Dr. Sigbjørn Olav Rogne. 

 

Symptoms/Conditions Associated With MS

  • Anxiety, depression, migraine, and lower cognitive performance may be early conditions indicating the onset of MS ( MS prodrome), according to this new study. 

  • Sleep problems are quite common among those with MS. According to this study,  55.7%  of the participants with MS were “poor sleepers”. s. Excess, pathological worry seemed to be associated with disability. 

  •  Maintaining optimal weight is essential. BMI significantly correlates with the progression and prediction of multiple sclerosis, but not to the degree of physical disability, is the conclusion of this new study.

  • An MSc thesis explores impairments in taste and smell associated with MS.

  •  Cases of MS associated with narcolepsy are reviewed in this new study. Note: I  wrote about orexin deficiency and MS here.

  • Anisocoria as the first sign of MS is described in this new case study. Anisocoria is a condition in which the pupil of one eye differs in size from the pupil of the other eye.



Risk Factors For Developing MS

  • This new study found human herpesvirus 6A and leptin as risk factors for MS development. They also further support a protective role for vitamin D. Epstein-Barr virus demonstrated an age-dependent pattern indicating that early infection may be protective against MS while later infection increases the risk.

  • The negative effects of smoking on MS progression are reviewed in this new study. A second new study found an association between passive smoking during adolescence and increased risk of developing MS.