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Our Research

Bike the US for MS Raises $25, 000
for Swedish

Free Relaxation
& Stress Reduction Classes - Sept. 2013

Make-ahead meals & anti- inflammatory diet tips from the RD

Resources to keep cool in summer heat.


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Issue: #19

MSResearchUpdateMS Research Update

Trial shows no benefit of cannabinoid in slowing multiple sclerosis progression

A UK trial of dronabinol (delta-9-THC) in 498 patients did not slow the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to placebo. Critics will point out that this is only one of many cannabinoids found in marijuana; and that the placebo arm did better than expected (thus limiting the ability to detect the effects of the drug). Nonetheless, the result is the strongest argument yet against the neuroprotective effects of THC in the
MS population.

 

New trials in progressive MS are coming

Later this year, two trials will open for people with progressive MS. The first, called MS-SMART, will be conducted in the United Kingdom, and the second, SPRINT-MS, in the United States. Both trials will look into the effects of Ibudilast, an oral anti-inflammatory medication, in people with primary progressive and secondary progressive MS.

Read more from Dr. Pavle Repovic. 

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Can Botox help spinal spasticity? 
Botulinum toxin type-A (Botox) is a naturally occurring toxic substance best known for its use in cosmetics.  It is also FDA-approved for use in spasticity of the upper extremities. Many multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have spasticity in the muscles surrounding the spine , but cannot easily access this treatment because there is not enough research to support its effectiveness in that area of the body. As part of the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center's summer research program, we will study the effects of Botox on the paraspinal muscles.

Read more from Dr. Angeli Mayadev. 

 

MSCenterResearchMS Center Research

 

Oral therapy for Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis 

The Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish is conducting a phase III clinical trial on a new oral medication to treat secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).

 

Only one disease modifying therapy (DMT), Mitoxantrone, has been FDA-approved to treat SPMS, and it is permitted for use in only a few European countries. Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) works by slowing down the progression of disability and MS relapse rates. However, its use is limited by serious potential side effects including Leukemia and heart failure. Because of this, there is a considerable need for effective therapies that will delay disability progression in people with SPMS.

 

Now in the final clinical trial phase, a potentially a new oral DMT called BAF312 may improve treatment options for SPMS. Researchers will measure how well the medication, relative to placebo, can delay disability progression as well as its effects on the number and size of T2 lesions. Earlier trials found that BAF312 was safe and side effects were well-tolerated.

 

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

Bike

Bike the US for MS donates $25,000 to
the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center

 

 

 

The Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish welcomed 30 cyclists Sunday for the finale of their coast-to-coast ride for multiple sclerosis (MS). Cyclists and a crowd of supporters and loved ones continued the celebration inside where they presented the Swedish MS Center with a $25,000 donation.

 

We are extremely grateful for Bike the US for MS's contribution to our MS Center. Their donation will go toward MS educational activities, social work, vocational counseling and wellness programs including exercise activities that allow our patients to get comprehensive care. We also send our gratitude and congratulations to Diane Mattens and her family and all of the riders who participated this year. 
 

artMS Center News 

 

RelaxRelaxation and stress reduction:

Free classes begin Sept. 9 

  

The Swedish MS Center will host free relaxation and stress reduction classes every Monday, 12:00-1:00 p.m., beginning in September. Learn breathing and mindfulness techniques to manage stress and help relax the mind and body.  

 

 

To register, call 206-386-2502 or click here to register online. 

 

Exercises include deep breathing, mindful meditation, recognizing and relieving tension,progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and more.

 

Join us Mondays beginning September 9, 2013. Drop-ins are welcome. Swedish invites all people living with MS to participate, including caregivers and partners.

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Swedish MS neurologists team up with Clay Walker to educate about MS

 

Neurologists from the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center spoke Tuesday evening in Seattle at an educational program featuring country music artist Clay Walker. Drs. James Bowen and Lily JungHenson gave an update on advancements in multiple sclerosis research to about 200 patients and care partners living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Walker shared his experience living with relapsing-remitting MS and how he manages his symptoms with a busy career.

Read more.

BlogFrom the MS Center Blog 

 

 

nutritionEasy make-ahead meals to beat MS fatigue

In her last post about eating well with multiple sclerosis (MS), MS Center dietitian Jessica Bratrude discussed meal planning and prep to help enable you to eat nutritiously through the week. Here are a few recipes that will produce left overs that hold up well and can be packed up for healthy lunches.

Read the post. 

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The anti-inflammatory diet and MS

We have all seen inflammation on the surface of our bodies (redness, heat, swelling or pain). When inflammation occurs without purpose or is persistent, it can cause damage and illness. This type of abnormal inflammation is the root of many chronic diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). We have control over some of the causes of inflammation. Learning what foods have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body may be beneficial in reducing long-term disease risk.

 Read the post. 


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heatHeat sensitivity and multiple sclerosis: Resources to help cool off MS symptoms

The summer months have arrived and the weather is warming up. While many sun-deprived residents of the Pacific Northwest are enjoying more sunshine, many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms when the weather gets warmer. Alan Wittenberg specializes in helping people with MS access resources like cooling products. A social worker can research the types of resources and referrals a person may need, help them fill out forms and advocate for patients throughout the grant process.

Read the post. 

 

MSEventsMS Center Programs & Events

 

 

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

 

Date: Saturday, September 21

Location: Swedish Cherry Hill Campus

Cost: Free. 

The Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center will present an educational workshop in Seattle this summer.

Register: Swedish.org/MSRoadshow 

 

Choices in MS Care and Therapies  - FREE 

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ONGOING CLASSES

--Registration Required--

 

Relaxation & Deep Breathing - FREE 

Mondays | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Breathing and mindfulness techniques that you can practice daily to help

manage stress and relax body and mind.

RSVP: 206-386-2502 or  bit.ly/MSCenterClasses

 

Chair Aerobics for MS - FREE 

**  Resumes in September ** 

Aerobic activity for those who prefer seated exercise.

Open to non-Swedish patients and caregivers/partners.

Drop-ins welcome.

Email mscenter@swedish.org to sign up for updates.  

 

Music Therapy - FREE
**  Resumes in October  **
Dates to be announced!
Open to non-Swedish patients and caregivers/partners.
Drop-ins welcome.

Email mscenter@swedish.org to sign up for updates.   

 

Gentle Yoga and Wellness Skills 

Tuesdays, Aug. 13-Sept. 17 | FULL

Thursdays, Aug. 15 - Sept. 19 | FULL

Wait list: mscenter@swedish.org
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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.


Care Partner Support Group

3rd Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

For spouses and caregivers of people living with multiple sclerosis.

Contact: j.daughters@hotmail.com

   

LGBT MS

2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m.

For people in the lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender community. Partners and care providers are also welcome.

Contact: LGBTMSConnection@gmail.com

 

MS Club Cherry Hill (Self-Help)

3rd Friday of every month, 1-3 p.m.

Monthly talks by regional experts on topics of interest to people with MS.

Contact: robinmazna@hotmail.com

 

Young Adults with MS

3rd Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

A support and activity group for young adults living with multiple sclerosis. Spouses/significant others welcome.
Contact: mscenter@swedish.org

 swedish.org/ms