Accomplishments in the
Past 10 Years
 MS research continues to advance knowledge
of the disease and treatment for people with MS. There is much
greater understanding of this unpredictable, often disabling
disease. Many of those accomplishments have taken place in the
past 10 years thanks to the support of the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada and its sister national MS societies around
the world, many governments and private industry. Here are some
key advances:
There are treatments for some types of multiple sclerosis.
- They are useful in relapsing MS
- Their impact on development
of disability still not clear
Researchers have developed "windows"
into the disease through technology.
- MRI scanning assists doctors in diagnosing MS
more quickly
- Canadians are leaders in MRI and other magnetic
resonance technology to measure disease activity within the
central nervous system
We have evidence myelin can and does regrow spontaneously
which indicates repair is possible.
- Myelin repair and regrowth takes place in the early
stages of MS
- Studies are underway using the body's own cells to
repair myelin
Investigators have a better understanding of the nature
of MS which means some types of MS can be more effectively
managed. This is because of :
- Studies of MS tissue (pathology)
- Studies of the immune system (immunology)
- Studies of the way MS naturally progresses without
treatment (natural history studies)
Scientists have identified key molecules responsible for
initiating the abnormal immune system response in MS.
- Identifying the "culprits"
will lead to better therapies
There is understanding that both genetic and environmental
factors are important in the cause of MS.
- More than one gene is involved
- The excess of MS in some families is due to genetic
factors
- A major genetic study is taking place in Canada
Studies have found that MS is a costly disease.
- The cost of MS is higher than many other diseases
because it lasts a lifetime
- Most of the cost of MS is borne by people with MS and
their families
- The cost of the disease is greater the more disabled
a person becomes
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