HelpLines: Birth month, biomarkers and more research updates

In This Issue

MS Research Update

Research at the Swedish MS Center

Employment Matters Workshops

Quick Links

The Campaign
for Swedish

MS Eye Clinic at Swedish

Issue: #16

April 2013

MS Research Update

Birth month may affect your risk for multiple sclerosis

There are many studies that show that the risks for getting multiple sclerosis (MS) vary according to the month a person is born. However, the differences between the months of birth are slight. A recent article in JAMA Neurology describes a new study of how birth month may affect risk. Researchers found a higher level of immune cells (T lymphocytes) in the cord blood from babies born in November compared to those born in May. Continue reading.

How reliable are "biomarkers" measured by multiple doctors?

Mobility issues secondary to strength, balance, and walking problems affect up to 80 percent of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a lot of emerging research about "MS biomarkers," which are values that look for ways to predict how patients will do in the future. Physical biomarkers of patient performance that may be able to be used as measures of disease state and change over time. Often patients and clinicians are left wondering how accurate the results of these tests are. Continue reading.

MS Center Research

Does lower dose fingolimod have the same effect?

The MS Center is conducting clinical trials to find out whether a lower dose (0.25 mg)of fingolimod has the same effect as 0.5 mg fingolimod in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

The year-long study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the lower and higher doses compared with 20 mg glatiramer acetate.

Learn more about our research and clinical trials, or call an MS Center research coordinator at 206-320-2200.

New Employment Workshops

A multiple sclerosis diagnosis can come with a lot of uncertainty and questions about the future. But it does not have to be career-ending. Learning about your employment options and planning ahead can help you make informed decisions about your career.

Employment Matters is a free, monthly series presented at the MS Center that is designed to prepare people with the knowledge to confidently approach challenges, build a career plan and strengthen their employment options.

Find out more about Employment Matters.

MS Center News

Multiple Sclerosis Center turns one
One year ago, the first patients visited the brand new Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center at Swedish Neuroscience Institute. The Center was designed around the patient experience as part of our commitment to treating every person's individual emotional, psychological, social and physical needs in a supportive environment. Since we opened, we've hit a few new milestones.

MS News Digest

Dr. Bowen & the Scientific American MIND

The last 20 years have held significant gains for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Thanks to new studies and a full pipeline of those to come, our understanding of the disease and promises for future remedies grows rapidly. Dr. James Bowen, Medical Director and neurologist at the MS Center at Swedish, wrote an article on this progress n Scientific American MIND: "Solving the Mystery of MS."

Staying productive in the workplace

MS symptoms may affect a person's ability to work and participate in an educational program more or less depending on the course of their disease. Many people wonder if they can keep working or they quit because of their MS limitations, causing financial stress. There is a place in the workplace for people with MS and there are options to support you. A vocational counselor can help people living with MS navigate their employment options, whether it is to continue working, make a career change or apply for disability.

MS Center Programs & Events

Swedish.org/MSCalendar

WORKSHOPS

Employment Matters: What are your employment rights?

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave and other employment-related laws and how they can protect people with multiple sclerosis.

Call 206-386-2502 or Register Online.

ONGOING CLASSES

--Registration Required--

Music Therapy

Thursdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m.
**No class April 4**

Free and open to non-Swedish patients and caregivers/partners.

Call 206-386-2502 or Register Online.

Chair Aerobics

Wednesdays | 2-2:45 p.m.

Aerobic activity for those who prefer seated exercise.

Call 206-386-2502 or Register Online.

Beginner's Gentle Yoga

Every Thursday, April 18 - May 23 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Free for new students, open to non-Swedish patients and caregivers/partners.
Call 206-386-2502 or Register Online .

Chair Yoga

Every Tuesday, April 23 - May 28 | 1-1:45 p.m.

Free, open to non-Swedish patients and caregivers/partners.
Call 206-386-2502 or Register Online.

SUPPORT AND ACTIVITY GROUPS

Patient Exercise Hours

Mondays, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fridays, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

A free, convenient and safe place to work out with MS. Established patients only. Call 206-320-2200.

Coping Skills Group

Thursdays, 8 consecutive weeks | MS Center

Led by MS psychologist Michelle Toshima, Ph.D., and Bobbie Severson, ARNP.
Call Mike Taylor: (206) 320-8223.

swedish.org/ms