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History of MS Center and Swedish
 
Issue: #8

Spring 2012

 MS Research Update 

Cognition in Secondary Progressive MS

 

This recent article published in MS Journal March 2012 looks into factors that contribute to cognitive changes in SPMS. 

The study included 25 SPMS patients and 25 healthy matched controls.  Using the symbol digit modalities test and PSAT to measure cognitive efficiency and logical memory tasks, they found that the cognitive reserve hypothesis is extended to the SPMS population.  That higher lifetime intellectual reserves         ( educational attainment, vocabulary knowledge, prior to MS leisure activities) are protective in progressive stages of MS.

 

Comments:

As studies have shown that the amount of lesion load does not correlate well with cognitive status in MS, this article helps look into factors that may contribute.

In the dementia literature, there has also been a lack of correlation with plaque load and cognition.  There is a theory that cognitive reserve (amount of education and learning) helps to determine one's cognitive fate in RRMS as well as dementia.  Studies have show that cognitive decline is more severe in SPMS than the other described types.  Cognitive inefficiency and memory problems are the most common cognitive issues in SPMS.  This study helps provide protective mechanisms that are possibly in one's control ( unlike baseline IQ) to help mitigate against cognitive decline in later stage MS.


Cognitive reserve in secondary

progressive multiple sclerosis.

James F Sumowski, Nancy Chiaravalloti,

Victoria M Leavitt and John DeLuca

 
 

MS Center Highlight

  

MS Walk - was a huge success!

 

Congrats to the 2012 Swedish Smyelin Striders MS Center Walk team! The annual MS Walk raised awareness of multiple sclerosis in our community and also raised significant funds (> $5,000.) to support programs and services of the National MS Society Greater Northwest Chapter. The NMSS Greater NW Chapter serves more than 12,000 people with MS living in Alaska, Montana and Central and Western Washington. This year, the Walk took place on Sunday, April 15 at the Alaska Airlines Stadium at University of Washington campus. 

 

MS Center Research

Pain in MS:

This new study at the MS Center has the potential to help reduce neuropathic pain and provide insight into the cause of central pain in patients with RRMS, and SPMS.  The study sponser is AVANIR who make an already FDA approved medication for use in MS.  This medication is being tried in patients with MS who have neuropathic pain in a limb/extremity. 

Information on this study and other studies conducted at the MS Center may be found on our website at: MS Center Research

 

Swedish MS Center Opened this month!!!

 

Construction is completed on the new MS Center. We have been seeing patients in the new center for the past 2 weeks. 

 

Swedish gym rendering


 

Here is a link to see photos of the new center:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swedishmedicalcenter/6905951066/

 

You can support the new center by making a gift to help people living with MS in the Puget Sound region. To support the expanded MS Center, contact Kate Purcell, Director, Major Gifts; Direct line: 206-386-3194; Email: kate.purcell@swedish.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multiple Sclerosis News Digest

BG12 submitted to FDA: On 2/28/12 Biogen Idec announced their submission to the FDA for approval of BG12. BG12 is an oral medication given twice a day to slow the progression of MS. Results from 2 phase III studies have shown encouraging results on both effectiveness and safety. The FDA will now decide whether to accept this application (often takes up to 2 months). If accepted, the FDA usually takes about 6 months to decide whether the medication will be approved. If approved, this will be the second oral medication to slow the course of MS. Link for details

 

Positive results for firategrast : A phase II study of firategrast had positive results with a decrease in new lesions on MRI. Side effects were minimal. This medication is an oral drug that blocks white blood cells from being able to exit the blood vessels, thus gaining access to the brain. This is similar to the way that Tysabri (an intravenous infusion) works in MS. At least 2 phase III studies will be needed before it can be released to the market. These studies will need to address clinical effectiveness including results for MS attacks and disability. Link to article abstract

 

Multiple Sclerosis Center Events

Eastern Washington Clinic Days: The clinic has designated days especially for patients visiting from Eastern Washington. This makes it easier to share the trip with friends or carpool.

 

Annual Swedish MS Center Art Show: The third annual MS Center Art Show is planned for June 16, 2012 from 10AM to 6PM. Artists, start planning your artwork for the event! Link for details

 

MS Roadshow visits Bellingham: After successful events in Yakima, Olympia, and Swedish Cherry Hill Campus (Seattle), the roadshow will be going up to Bellingham on Saturday June 23rd . Link for details

Future Roadshows are planned for Port Angeles (October).

 

Celebrate Swedish: Celebrate Swedish is Link for details