MS in the Media - 27 September 2019
21 - 27 September 2019
These are links to news stories about multiple sclerosis from the last week that may be of interest to people affected by MS in the UK. The link beneath each item will take you to the original story.
Please note that the MS Trust did not write the original items and does not endorse their content nor any claims made in them.
To keep up to date on all the latest news, views and research on multiple sclerosis, sign up for Open Door, our free newsletter or regular email alerts.
Should vitamin D supplements be recommended for MS?
Whether people with MS should take vitamin D supplements or not was the topic of a debate at the recent ECTRIMS conference. The Yes argument centred on reduced risk of developing MS in people with higher vitamin D levels. Use in people who have MS is harder to judge. The No argument said that low vitamin D may be caused by MS rather than the other way round and that UV light exposure may be more important. Both sides agree there is not enough good research yet to be sure.
Source: MS News Today
MS Trust link: Vitamin D
More MS genes discovered
The latest report by the International MS Genetics Consortium has identified 233 genes variations that add to the risk of developing MS. The affected genes are in areas associated with immune function. There is also a genetic variant on chromosome X, which may be linked to why women are more likely to get MS than men
Source: National MS Society (USA)
MS Trust link: Causes of MS
Beta interferon and pregnancy
The EMA (European Medicines Agency) is considering a recommendation to allow the use of interferon beta 1a (Avonex, Plegridy and Rebif) during the early stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, Data showed no increase in danger to the baby of women taking the drug at time of conception or in the first trimester.
Source: Biogen press release
Source: Merck press release
MS Trust link: New guidelines for pregnancy in multiple sclerosis
"Starting a podcast in lockdown helped us take ownership of the situation"
23 Apr 2021 - 00:00
Comedian, Jeanette and Poet, Lytisha, talk about how creating their own podcast, about life with MS, led to lots of laughs, feelings of empowerment and a sense of community during lockdown.
Twelve year old Lacey hasn't been able to hug her dad for a year
23 Apr 2021 - 00:00
Before lockdown Lacey visited her dad every other weekend, but Covid restrictions have meant she’s not been able to visit her dad in his care home and give him a hug since March 2020.
'This is my normal now. I rather like it.' Living with PPMS in lockdown
23 Apr 2021 - 00:00
John Peters tells us how his working life changed during lockdown and how he’ll be quite happy not to go back to ‘normal’.
Sign up to our emails
Get the latest news and research sent straight to your inbox. Find out first about the latest developments in MS treatments, plus updates on the work of the MS Trust.
Share
