Multiple Sclerosis

Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Though multiple sclerosis affects different people in different ways, there are some general themes to life with the disease. Since MS is a disorder of the central nervous system, the effects of the condition are both physical – tiredness, tremors, tingling sensations – and cognitive in nature. People living with MS often experience challenges with their thinking abilities – this can include understanding and retaining information. Together these difficulties can lead to emotional disharmony since it is hard to cope with uncertainty from day to day, not knowing when symptoms may intensify or interfere with activities of daily living. This is particularly true for patients raising young children and/or looking to grow their careers.

Understanding your options

While there is no singular cure for MS that will stop or clear the condition, there are a variety of approaches that are effective in slowing the progression of the disease. The primary treatment for MS today is a “disease modifying therapy” or DMT. Such therapies reduce the number of episodes of high symptom activity along with the severity of these relapses when they do occur. In addition to DMTs, common medications capable of addressing or managing symptoms (i.e., depression, pain, incontinence) are also often used. In addition, rehabilitation therapy (i.e., strength training and exercise programs) helps patients maintain their movement freedom and mobility.

Advances in treatment

Clinical research is actively seeking and evaluating new treatment options for MS. It has only been about 30 years since therapies for MS started to emerge; now patients have some degree of choice when it comes to options for symptom management. Today there are many new classes of medicines being studied for all types/stages of MS, including PPMS, the most progressive form. There is a lot of interest in a newer class of therapy called a Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Inhibitor. These inhibitors show promise for their ability to selectively eliminate troublesome cells that cause MS onset and progression. In addition, researchers are continuing to study the effect of stem cell transplants in helping the immune system ‘reset’ without problematic cell inflammation. DMTs are also being looked at for how to enhance their effectiveness.

You can get involved

Clinical research offers new opportunities for those with MS to help in the evaluation of symptom management, progression management, supportive therapy, and even digital therapies. It is easy to stay informed about clinical research for MS by signing up here to receive updates about new trials and research breakthroughs.

RECRUITING TRIALS

References

Mayo Clinic - MS: Symptoms and Causes Multiple sclerosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Providence Health System: Clinical trials and research bring hope to MS patients
MS News Today: Treatment Updates