Advances In Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease of the nervous system, affecting about 1 million people worldwide. Even though it has been known for over a hundred years, no cause or cure has yet been discovered-but now there is hope. New therapies have been shown to slow the disease progress in some patients, and the pace of discoveries about the cellular machinery of the brain and spinal cord has accelerated. This book presents a comprehensive overview of multiple sclerosis today, as researchers seek to understand its processes, develop therapies that will slow or halt the disease and perhaps repair damage, offer relief for specific symptoms, and improve the abilities of MS patients to function in their daily lives. The panel reviews existing knowledge and identifies key research questions, focusing on: Research strategies that have the greatest potential to understand the biological mechanisms of recovery and to translate findings into specific strategies for therapy. How people adapt to MS and the research needed to improve the lives of people with MS. Management of disease symptoms (cognitive impairment, depression, spasticity, vision problems, and others). The committee also discusses ways to build and financially support the MS research enterprise, including a look at challenges inherent in designing clinical trials. This book will be important to MS researchers, research funders, health care advocates for MS research and treatment, and interested patients and their families.

Designing immunotherapeutics, drugs, and anti-inflammatory reagents has been at the forefront of autoimmune research, in particular multiple sclerosis, for over 20 years. Delivery methods that are used to modulate effective and long-lasting immune responses have been the major focus. This Special Issue focused on delivery methods to be used for vaccines, immunotherapeutic approaches, drug design, and anti-inflammatories and their outcomes in preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Looking at the lastest advances in research into multiple sclerosis, from genetics to the use of magnetic resonance imaging and the organization of MS care.

Since the last edition of this book, 'no evidence of disease activity' (NEDA) has been proposed as a new treatment target, early data on the first pharmacological treatments for progressive MS have emerged, and the first remyelination trial has shown positive effects on nerve repair. It is with this sense of optimism that the authors of 'Fast Facts: Multiple Sclerosis' have detailed the latest developments for use in clinical practice by all members of the multidisciplinary team, including: • a concise overview of investigations and modern diagnostic criteria • a holistic approach to all signs and symptoms, and proactive relapse management • the latest disease-modifying drugs, including when to treat, choice of drug and risk versus benefit. With case histories that will help to guide treatment decisions, discussion of the special considerations for MS during pregnancy, and in children and the elderly, and a detailed outline of emerging therapies, this book will benefit all healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with this complex disease.

This book reviews the therapeutic developments in clinical trial design that have resulted in new treatment options for patients suffering from MS. Important ethical considerations that arise with the new treatments are included, as well as the perspective on the emergence of MS as a treatable disease.

Two-and-a-half million people world-wide and 400,000 Americans suffer from the chronic disease multiple sclerosis. Understanding Multiple Sclerosis presents both general information about MS and valuable, specific advice. Who gets MS? What are its symptoms? What are its effects on the bodies and minds of people afflicted? How does one plan for the future after a diagnosis? From basic biology to new advances in treatment, Understanding Multiple Sclerosis covers the topics most relevant to people with MS and to their families and friends. Chapters provide an introduction to genetic, demographic, and geographic factors; basic biology of MS, with descriptions of both the central nervous system and the immune system; characteristic symptoms of MS; diagnostic criteria and different types of MS treatments, over-the-counter medications, and alternative medicines; lifestyle adjustments and coping strategies, along with advice on long-term health insurance and financial planning; and current and ongoing MS research and advances.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of disability in young adults, carrying a considerable individual and societal economic burden. The development of disease-modifying therapies and updates to diagnostic criteria are leading us into a new era for MS management, both in the earliest disease phases and progressive MS. In this completely revised/fully updated edition of Fast Facts: Multiple Sclerosis, we present the most recent evidence on disease pathogenesis and all clinical aspects of the condition, as well as the latest on disease-modifying therapies and other potential treatments. Given the need for multidisciplinary management of MS, we have written this resource for the benefit of all health professionals involved in MS care. Table of Contents: • Epidemiology and genetics • Pathology • The clinical picture • Treatment of relapses and symptoms • Disease-modifying treatment • Emerging therapies • Special MS populations • Lifestyle considerations and the multidisciplinary team • Advanced MS