New Study Offers Hope for Severe MS Patients and Newly Diagnosed Individuals

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show

In episode 19 of the Just MS Show, host Justin Loizos reviews a groundbreaking medical study that challenges the traditional method of detecting multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression. The study, led by the University at Buffalo, found that brain lesions, which are widely used as a biomarker for MS, are not indicative of the degree of severe disability in patients. The study compared two groups of MS patients with similar gender and disease duration but significant differences in physical and cognitive disabilities. The results showed that the volume of white matter lesions was not a major driver of severe disability progression, contrary to the belief that MS disease-modifying treatments focused on slowing the accumulation of these lesions.

The study's principal investigator, Dr. Robert Zivadinov, explains that despite the fact that MS treatments aim to reduce the accumulation of white matter lesions, these lesions are not a significant driver of severe disability progression. The study is the first of its kind and aims to investigate why some individuals with MS quickly become severely disabled while others experience slower disease progression. The severely disabled cohort in the study includes residents of The Boston Home in Dorchester, Massachusetts, a specialized residential facility for individuals with advanced progressive neurological disorders, including MS.

This study provides hope for both the severely disabled and newly diagnosed individuals with MS. It challenges the traditional method of measuring MS disease progression and opens up new possibilities for developing more effective treatments that target other factors involved in MS progression.

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com