MS research continues to advance knowledge
of the disease and treatment for people with MS. There is much
greater understanding of this unpredictable, often disabling
disease. Many of those accomplishments have taken place in the
past 10 years thanks to the support of the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada and its sister national MS societies around
the world, many governments and private industry. Here are some
key advances:
There are treatments for some types
of multiple sclerosis.
They are useful in relapsing MS
Their impact on development of disability
still not clear
Researchers have developed "windows"
into the disease through technology.
MRI scanning assists doctors in diagnosing
MS more quickly
Canadians are leaders in MRI and
other magnetic resonance technology to measure disease
activity within the central nervous system
We have evidence myelin can and
does regrow spontaneously which indicates repair is possible.
Myelin repair and regrowth takes
place in the early stages of MS
Studies are underway using the body's
own cells to repair myelin
Investigators have a better understanding
of the nature of MS which means some types of MS can be more
effectively managed. This is because of :
Studies of MS tissue (pathology)
Studies of the immune system (immunology)
Studies of the way MS naturally progresses
without treatment (natural history studies)
Scientists have identified key molecules
responsible for initiating the abnormal immune system response
in MS.
Identifying the "culprits"
will lead to better therapies
There is understanding that both
genetic and environmental factors are important in the cause
of MS.
More than one gene is involved
The excess of MS in some families
is due to genetic factors
A major genetic study is taking place
in Canada
Studies have found that MS is a
costly disease.
The cost of MS is higher than many
other diseases because it lasts a lifetime
Most of the cost of MS is borne by
people with MS and their families
The cost of the disease is greater
the more disabled a person becomes
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Toll free to reach
the nearest regional office: 1 800 268-7582
To locate the MS Society office near you, please select your region:
E-mail: info@mssociety.ca (Please provide your town and
province in your e-mail)
