Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on Cognitive dysfunction, Eye health, Multiple Sclerosis

A new study reveals a breakthrough in the treatment of visual and cognitive impairments in multiple sclerosis.

A pilot study conducted by researchers at the Kessler Foundation showed promising results in using methylphenidate to improve oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings could have significant implications for the treatment of visual and cognitive impairments associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Silvana Costa, PhD

Dr. Costa is a research scientist at the Centers for Neuropsychology, Neuroscience, and Multiple Sclerosis Research at the Kessler Foundation. CREDIT Kessler Foundation

In a pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial, 11 participants with MS were randomly assigned to receive either methylphenidate or a placebo for four weeks. After a seven-day washout period, they underwent a crossover treatment for four more weeks. Assessments of oculomotor speed using the King-Devick test and information processing speed were conducted before and after each treatment phase.

“We noticed a significant increase in the participants’ eye movement speed when they were given methylphenidate compared to when they were given the placebo,” said Timothy J. Rich, PhD, OTR/L, research scientist at the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research at Kessler Foundation. “This improvement in eye movement speed was directly linked to better performance on tasks that involve hand-eye coordination, which is important for everyday activities.”

Dr. Silvana L Costa, who works as a research scientist at the Centers for Neuropsychology, Neuroscience, and Multiple Sclerosis Research at Kessler Foundation, and is also a co-author of the study, stated, “Our results indicate that methylphenidate might offer valuable benefits as a treatment for individuals with MS, particularly for those who are dealing with oculomotor deficits impacting their visual processing speed and, consequently, their overall quality of life.”

“These results are promising,” noted Dr. Costa, “offering a potential pathway to mitigate some of the cognitive and visual symptoms that are prevalent in MS.”

Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

Seven Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms You Should Never Ignore!

“Are you aware of the critical symptoms of multiple sclerosis that should never be ignored? Surprisingly, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are not always obvious or consistent. Research indicates that prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing the disease, making recognising the symptoms as soon as possible imperative. In this video, we will explore the most important symptoms of multiple sclerosis that you need to be aware of, covering both the physical and cognitive aspects of the disease. Recognizing these symptoms early on can make a significant difference in your quality of life and overall well-being when living with MS.”

Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

Assessing backwards walking speed provides better clinical screening for risks and decline in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Social cognition plays a key role in everyday lives of people with multiple sclerosis

Patrick Monaghan, PhD, Michael VanNostrand, PhD, , and Nora E. Fritz recently co-authored a study on mobility assessments in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

The study, “Backwards walking speed reserve in persons with multiple sclerosis,” focused on developing a new methodology — called the backward walking speed reserve — to measure the capacity of individuals to increase their walking speed on demand in the backward direction. This assessment may improve clinical screening for mobility impairments, fall risk and cognitive decline in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

“We found that the backward walking speed reserve is linked to disease severity,” said Monaghan. “Individuals more affected by multiple sclerosis had a reduced ability to modulate their backward walking speed. This measure also correlated with other common clinical mobility assessments. Additionally, a reduced ability to increase backward speed on demand was associated with lower cognitive functioning, including decreased information processing speed and attention, suggesting its potential use in screening for cognitive decline, which is also prevalent in multiple sclerosis.”

The team’s research focuses on gaining a better understanding of mobility and cognitive decline in people with multiple sclerosis by studying the neural and cognitive foundations of mobility impairments. Their goal is to develop precise clinical assessments, such as the backward walking speed reserve, to enhance comprehension and treatment.

“One of the unique and novel aspects of this paper was that it provided new insights in finding more sensitive outcomes and measures for screening function mobility in people with multiple sclerosis,” said Monaghan. “We came up with a new assessment during backwards walking, reflecting speed modulation. The hope is that this could be a sensitive metric to measure how people can handle their mobility options and detect those who are at risk of falls and mobility impairments. It’s being more proactive than reactive to these potential issues.”

“This project is a great example of the important work our postdoctoral scholars and faculty are doing together to initiate innovative ways to improve the lives of others,” said Ezemenari Obasi, Ph.D., vice president for research at Wayne State University. “This is not only cutting-edge research, but work that will have an impact on communities and community health in the future.”

“I am very proud of the ongoing work of Drs. Monaghan and VanNostrand. They are truly poised to become the next generation of multiple sclerosis rehabilitation researchers,” said Fritz. “Investigating markers of fall risk and cognitive decline that can be easily implemented into clinical practice is key for detecting and preventing falls before they happen.”

Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

The Perfect Tricycle for Riders with Multiple Sclerosis! This E-Trike is Great for People with MS

A few million people per year are living with multiple sclerosis, and it can be very debilitating. But it’s important to get exercise and keep your body moving as much as possible. The Simple Glide Recumbent E Trike from Sixthreezero is a unique tricycle that is simple for all riders to get on and off. The height makes the seat extremely comfortable and easy to get on and off. The armrests can be raised to make sliding onto the seat easy. This tricycle features a 500 watt front hub motor that can be used by pedaling or twisting the throttle. The benefit is that if your legs aren’t strong enough to move the pedals, you can use the twist throttle to get the bike going. And how you use the throttle and pedalling is totally up to you. Whatever your body can do on a given day depends on how much effort you put out. A great electric tricycle that will allow many people living with multiple sclerosis the ability to start riding a bicycle again.