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Progressive Forms of MS and Infection Risk

October 13, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

Progressive forms of Multiple Sclerosis present their own unique challenges and obstacles that are unlikely to be experienced or encountered with equivalent severity in Relapsing Remitting forms. MS Awareness Advocate Walter Gefrom shares new information from a large study that now links progressive MS to greater infection risks.

Walter Gefrom Infection Risk

There are four common forms of Multiple Sclerosis which patients find their condition categorized into upon diagnosis.  These forms all fall within two larger categories: progressive (PMS) and relapsing-remitting (RRMS).  Often regarded as a snowflake disease, symptom presentation and disease progression is faced uniquely on a sliding scale for each and every patient living with MS.  However, progressive forms of the disease generally entail an accelerated increase of disease progression and disability that is not experienced by individuals with RRMS.  Walter Gefrom has recently read a study in Germany which now points to more difficulties faced by PMS patients on a larger scale than individuals living with RRMS.  Specifically, the study discusses the increased likelihood of serious or life-threatening infections, including infections impacting the urinary tract and reproductive organs.  What was uncovered is that patients with PMS are at a far greater risk of contracting these illnesses than those with RRMS;  furthermore, they are also much more likely to face disease progression acceleration as a result of such infections, which could lead to increased immobility, disability or even death.

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis Tagged With: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness, PPMS, Progressive MS, Relapsing-Remitting MS, RRMS, Walter Gefrom

International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study

September 15, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

MS Awareness Advocate Walter Gefrom takes a look at an ongoing research project that is taking a closer look at how gut bacteria plays a role in the development and progression of Multiple Sclerosis.

Walter Gefrom MS Research

The International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study (iMSMS) is a research initiative primarily managed and overseen by Sergio Baranzini, PhD and his team at UCSF. The study is specifically looking at the contrasts between how a particular gut microbiome differs when present in someone with MS and someone without. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the significance of the presence of said microbiome in an individual’s system, researchers are comparing the results from family and household members. Baranzini and his team intend to decipher how the presence of this microbiome in the gut bacteria plays a role in disease progression and, potentially, root causes of MS. Walter Gefrom eagerly anticipates developments from this research project and looks forward to sharing the details with his readers.

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis Tagged With: disease progression, gut bacteria, International MS Microbiome Study, Microbiomes, MS awareness, Walter Gefrom

Multiple Sclerosis Fundraiser Dinner

August 17, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

Mark your calendars for the Multiple Sclerosis Fundraiser Dinner event on Sunday, September 18th at 1 PM in Southwick, MA! Walter Gefrom features the upcoming event:

Walter Gefrom family fun

Kim’s Cronies, a nonprofit initiative passionate about raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, is back after a two year hiatus brought on by the pandemic.  This time around, the nonprofit is hosting a fundraising dinner at the Polish American Club in Southwick, MA on 9/18/22.  Tickets will be $20 for all guests over the age of 13; kids 12 and under eat for free!  There will be tons of delicious food options available, including chicken Francise, pasta and meatballs, pasta with oil, garlic & broccoli and so much more.  A family friendly event, there will also be a field available for kids to play with their frisbees, wiffle ball and bats and more!

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis Tagged With: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness, Southwick MA, Walter Gefrom

Generic Version of Natalizumab in the Works

July 20, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

Natalizumab, more popularly known as its brand name, Tysabri, is a Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT) that treats relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis through a monthly intravenous dosage. Walter Gefrom discusses the new generic version that is being proposed: 

Walter Gefrom Tysabri

Tysabri, or Natalizumab, is the leading and arguably most effective Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT) for patients with relapsinig forms of MS, including Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) and Crohn’s disease.  The DMT has been revered by many patients and neurologists, who have witnessed firsthand how effective this medication can be.  However, Tysabri is also one of the most expensive MS DMTs, with its manufacturer Biogen cornering the market on its production.  But that may now change thanks to a biosimilar version of Natalizumab which has just been accepted by the US FDA and EMA.  Walter Gefrom, MS Awareness Advocate, is hopeful that this will put the pressure on Biogen to decrease the cost of Tysabri.  Unfortunately, it is the high price tag of this medication that often keeps patients from receiving its benefits. 

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis Tagged With: Advocate, Biogen, Crohen's Disease, MS awareness, Natalizumab, Tysabri, Walter Gefrom

MS Society of Canada’s MS Bike

June 22, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has officially opened MS Bike: an annual cycling event that aims to raise awareness and funds necessary to continue research on the disease. MS Advocate Walter Gefrom discuses:

Walter-Gefrom-MS-Bike

The MS Bike is back — finally!  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awareness-focused fundraising event was held virtually in 2020 and 2021.  But the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is so happy to get back to in-person cycling events in 2022!  However, the virtual options are still available, for participants who prefer to show their support from home (or anywhere else around the world, for that matter).  Walter Gefrom encourages Canadians to support this endeavor and as always, spread awareness of MS and what it is like to live with this disease.  MS Warriors unite!

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis Tagged With: MS, MS awareness, MS Bike, MS Society of Canada, Walter Gefrom

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