Researchers are now able to distinguish by genetics between two distinct groups of patients recieving beta interferon therapy. Those that are helped by the therapy and those that are not. This new finding should lead to less trial and error in determining the proper course of treatment for multiple sclerosis in newly diagnosed patients.

The Swiss MS Society  presents this campaign to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis.

MS is most often discovered when episodes occur in young adulthood and interupts the patient’s working life. Very often these exacerbations resolve and the individual is able to once again resume their employment. In the most common category of patients with MS this can be a repeating cycle of relapse and remission. During times of remission a patient may want and be able to work. The Social Security Administration has no provision that allows for work disruption and resumption that can accompany multiple sclerosis and other conditions.

An Internet petition seeking a reform of regulations that would recognise disability recipients may be able to resume employment during periods of remission and should be allowed to suspend and resume benefits according to their current health circumstance.

Details  and the opportunity to sign petition available here.

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At the Annual Convention of the Minnesota Chapter of the MS Society many products were displayed in the exhibit hall. Among the Chapter Advocacy offerings was a ballot marker which scans and then displays the voter’s ballot in a touch screen interface which allows persons with sight and movement difficulty an easier and more private way of voting in public elections. This marker will be available in States where voters typically fill a space in using a marker next to their choices. Other systems are being developed for other voting methods.

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.