Less frequent glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
People who took the three times a week version of Copaxone for three years did better than those who were in the placebo group for the first year of the trial. Presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. MPR Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 22, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Preliminary stem cells data presented
Preliminary data on 9 or 20 people taking part in a US phase 1 trial in which their own stem cells are injected into the spinal cord says 6 are showing more motor strength, better bladder function and improved quality of life. Presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. PR Newswire Stem cells - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 22, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

MS nurses – the good, the busy and the gaps in services
At the MS Trust we believe that everyone with MS should have access to an MS nurse. MS specialist nurses provide clinical advice and support on most aspects of MS. They often act to co-ordinate services for people with MS, referring someone on to a doctor, therapist, or other appropriate services. Many people with MS consider them to be a lifeline but, sadly, we know this is not the case for everyone. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 22, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Progressive MS pipeline
A review of some of the treatments being looked at for a role in managing progressive MS. MS News Today Treatments in development for progressive MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 21, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Two treatments identified which may have a role in myelin repair
Laboratory studies have shown two treatments currently used to treat skin conditions may have the potential to be developed into therapies to repair myelin in people with MS. However, this is very early research in animals and human cells, so the press coverage reporting the treatments as a 'cure', or 'reversing' or 'stopping' MS is somewhat premature. Any effect in humans is theoretical and not yet demonstrated. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 21, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Plegridy three year data presented
Data from an extension study show that peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy) remains safe and effective in people who have been on the drug for three years. Presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. Yahoo Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy) - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 20, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Smoking affects progression and treatments
Smoking increases the risk of developing MS and also increases the risk of progression and undermines treatment, based on a study in mice. Presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. HCP Live Smoking - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 20, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Vitamin D and relapses
A study found that low levels of vitamin D in the gut reduces the level of a bacterium association with anti-inflammatory factors. Presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. HCP Live Vitamin D - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 20, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Factors affecting satisfaction with treatment
Data from Biogen's State of MS survey shows that many different factors contribute to satisfaction with treatment including treatment expectations, involvement in decision making and communication with doctors. Presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. Yahoo Making the most of appointments (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 20, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

New model of MS
Development of a new way of looking at MS - rather than as something made up of distinctive types (RRMS, SPMS, PPMS) it is suggested it should be a continuum based on a mixture of relapses and progression. Presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. MedPage Today Types of MS - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 20, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Mindfulness for depression
A study has found that mindfulness was as effective as anti-depressants over two years. The outcomes were similar for both a group taking anti-depressants only and a group who also had mindfulness sessions. The mindfulness group reduced the level of medication they needed. Participants didn't have MS. BBC Scotsman Meditation and mindfulness - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 20, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Existing treatments may have potential for MS
Australian research (in animals) suggests miconazole - a treatment for athlete's foot - and clobetasol - an eczema cream - may help the growth of myelin around nerves. . BBC Scientific American Latest MS research updates (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 19, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) longer-term effects
Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) showed benefits over five years in people previously treated with beta interferon. It was also effective over two years in people who had not previously had a disease modifying treatment. Presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. Yahoo Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 19, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Less frequent natalizumab (Tysabri)
Extending infusions of natalizumab (Tysabri) to every eight weeks was just as effective as every four weeks according to a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting. Newswise Natalizumab (Tysabri) - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 19, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Housing adaptation delays
A report by Leonard Cheshire says that two thirds of councils aren't completing adaptations to homes of for people with a disability within the one year legal limit. Budget cuts are cited as a cause. Independent Housing adaptations (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - April 18, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news