A new technique that uses an antibody rather than the risky Chemo or Radiotherapy now used to prepare the patient to recieve a bone marrow transplant has produced encouraging results in animal studies worthy of further investigation and possible human implementation.

A medication that has been used for many years as a treatment for high blood pressure may be useful for preventing nerve damage in multiple sclerosis patients. A study in mice found the drug Amiloride blocks the accumulation of calcium in nerve cells. Calcium build up is a factor in the nerve damage associated with MS.

Clay Walker announced Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 6) at the Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital in Nashville that his foundation, BAMS (Band Against Multiple Sclerosis), will donate $25,000 for research toward a cure for multiple sclerosis. Walker also said the foundation plans to donate a similar amount toward MS research annually during the next three years. Walker, who was diagnosed with MS in 1996, said, “It is important for me to give back now because I have been so blessed.” He later added, “There are a lot of people out there who aren’t doing so well with multiple sclerosis, and we want to be their ray of hope.”

Band Against MS is dedicated to funding research, raising awareness and providing education for others battling multiple sclerosis. For more information, please visit their website at www.bandagainstms.org.

Clay is currently promoting his latest album, Fall. His single of the same name is currently a Top 5 radio hit that is still climbing the charts. For more information on Clay Walker, please visit www.claywalker.com.

Photo Credit:  Clay Walker & Dr. Sriram of Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Clay Walker music available at the shop.mslog.com store.

The neural links of the brain that are a part of the myelination process are being targeted by a major study to determine how they communicate. A possible outcome could be the development of regimens that facilitate remyelination for multiple sclerosis patients.

The promise of minocycline as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis dimmed a bit on the news that an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) trial using the drug  saw patients progression accelerate.

The US researchers who conducted the study warned the Canadian team preparing a trial of the commonly prescribed acne drug for multiple sclerosis. ( Trial reported on in earlier post. ) The Canadian scientists plan to proceed with the trial.

You are welcome to sign the petition for ratification of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The potential is for a great improvement in the quality of life for those with MS and other disabilties. Visit petition here.

Earlier this year MS patients participated in a survey to determine the role technology plays in their daily lives. Results here.

Canadian researchers are looking at minocycline, an antibiotic pill commonly used for severe acne treatment, as a possible agent to protect the myelin and inhibit progression of multiple sclerosis in newly diagnosed patients.

Fluoxetine (Prozac) has emerged from a small trial as a  medicine warranting futher study as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis. The drug has been used extensively to treat depression associated with the disease and this study indicates some anti-inflammatory mechanisms that may be of benefit to patients as well.

General practitioners will be able to refer patients for MRI scans of their knees and suspected multiple sclerosis from the first day of next year.