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1 25th Edition, September 2014 Are systemic infections linked to Progression in MS? There is some evidence that systemic infections (such as colds and chest infections) are linked to a more rapid accumulation of disability in people with MS. Researchers will record the number of infections people with MS have and their response to each infection. They will also study the progression of MS using MRI scans and a series of clinical exams and questions. Once they find whether infections can cause or contribute to disability accumulation in MS, they may be able to develop treatments that could slow, or even prevent, disability accumulation and progression. Dr Ian Galea University Of Southampton Taken from MS Society: RESEARCH MATTERS 2014

2 What are disease modifying drugs Disease modifying drugs work by interacting with different parts of the immune system to calm down the inflammation that causes MS relapses. All of these drugs principally affect the relapse rate, and have not been proven to have any beneficial effect for people who are not having relapses. There are currently seven disease modifying drugs licensed in the UK for some of the relapsing forms of MS. These drugs can only be prescribed by a neurologist. Disease modifying drugs are not a cure for MS and currently can only reduce the number of relapses rather than stopping them entirely. However, by reducing the number and severity of relapses, some of these drugs have also been shown to slow the build up of disability and to increase the time before development of secondary progressive MS. Some research suggests that benefits are greater with early treatment, effectively before someone is showing signs of disability, and may reduce the build up of damage to nerve cells. If someone has only had a couple of relapses and has few or very mild symptoms, the decision to start long-term treatment early will be a difficult one. Individual neurologists will have their own guidance when it comes to the appropriate time to start, but they should be willing to discuss treatment options with the person. It is important to recognize that while these drugs are a long term commitment, they are not necessarily a lifelong commitment. While they may prove effective over a longer period, they may not maintain the same level of effectiveness, as the type of MS changes. A neurologist will regularly review treatment and advise when switching, or stopping treatment altogether, needs to be considered. Taken from MS Trust:

3 Protecting nerves from damage could Potentially slow or even halt the progression of MS. A trial, led by Dr Jeremy Chataway at University college London (UCL) and professor Siddharthan Chandra at the University of Edinburgh, was developed by MS Society UK MS Clinical Trials Network. They are also currently funding two other phase 2 trials looking at the safety and effectiveness of amiloride (carried out at the University of Oxford, led by Dr Matt Craner) and phenytoin (led by Dr Raj Kapoor at UCL) in people with optic neuritis to see if they can protect the optic nerve from damage. If these drugs could protect the optic nerve from damage, then they could potentially protect all nerves and hopefully slow or stop progression. Taken from MS Society: RESEARCH MATTERS 2014 Investment in Genetics We re proud of our investment into genetics research. We now know there are around 110 genes linked with MS and we re pleased to have co-funded many of the studies that discovered those genes. These genes provide clues to the underlying mechanisms of what causes MS, and could help us to identify new potential treatments. Taken from MS Society: RESEARCH MATTERS 2014

4 Seattle Woman Runs More Than Ever After Getting Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis September 9th, 2014 When Portia O Callaghan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on Super Bowl Sunday in 2004, she did not let that stop her from running. I have been a runner on and off my whole life, but mostly for fitness, not competitively, O Callaghan says. When I was diagnosed, I thought it was important to run while I still could, so I got more interested in it. I also thought it would keep me healthy, and I think it has. Since I ve been diagnosed, I ve run two marathons, five half marathons, and countless shorter races. This year I m running a 5k every month and hoping to PR (set a personal record) this fall. Such a scenario might have seemed ridiculous when O Callaghan, 39, began suffering from MS symptoms. While O Callaghan has been lucky that her MS symptoms haven t been more severe, she has experienced minor issues in balance, speech and fatigue. I became very motivated to eat healthier after having more fatigue in the past six moths. She says. I am mostly vegan and stay away from dairy, caffeine, sugar, and processed food. It sounded like a boring way to eat at first, but I feel great and already have less fatigue in the few months I ve been eating this way. I also meditate every day for minutes, which I think is great for calming the nervous system. Information taken from:

5 Entertainment Family affair: Labrinth s sister stepping into the spotlight. Hackney born singer Shezar (Sister of Labrinth - UK producer & singer) is about to release her debut album. Info Taken from: The Voice Online -affair-labrinths-sister-stepping-spotlight Keke Palmer to be Broadway s first black Cinderella. Like many girls, actress and singer Keke Palmer grew up dreaming of when and how she would meet a prince who would whisk her away to a life of happily ever after In her case, it s going to happen for real - eight shows a week on New York s Broadway. The Voice Newspaper A-list producer begins work on #BringBackOurGirls single. Chris Cameron enlists help of Jocelyn Brown for upcoming release. He s worked with artists including George Michael, Take That and Leona Lewis and now musical director Chris Cameron has joined forces with Michelle John, one of the UK s most renowned backing vocalist, to record a charity single on behalf of the worldwide #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Information Taken from: article/list-producer-beginswork-bringbackourgirls-single Palmer said she ll be stepping into the title role in Rodgers & Hammerstein s Cinderella starting Sept 9 at the Broadway Theatre, New York. The actress, real name Keyana Palmer, will become the first black person to play the part on Broadway.

6 Black Buddhists to reach heart of the community Chris Newbhard from South London debunks some myths on Buddhism. I REMEMBER when I became a Buddhist back in I went to Jamaica visiting my mum and the conversation went like this : Mum: Buddha? You re a Buddha? Me: No I m a Buddhist Mum: Buddha, what s Buddha? Follow link to continue reading: