22 min listen
Multiple Sclerosis: Cause & Cure
FromMS Living Well: Key Info from Multiple Sclerosis Experts
ratings:
Length:
31 minutes
Released:
Jan 25, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes multiple sclerosis based on a new monumental study in young adults serving on active duty in the US military. The study found that the risk of developing MS increased 32-fold after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. EBV causes infectious mononucleosis, spreads through saliva and infects B immune cells. Alberto Ascherio MD DrPH shares his group's recent findings, published in Science. Epstein-Barr virus treatments in clinical trials reviewed including vaccination studies with the goals of stopping disease progression and preventing MS from ever occurring. The impact of vitamin D, smoking, and obesity on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis is reviewed. Howard Weiner MD details the genetic risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and risks of passing the disease onto children. The role of gut organisms, known as the microbiome, in both potentially causing multiple sclerosis and protecting people with the disease is explored. Strategies for a multiple sclerosis cure are highlighted. Barry Singer MD, Director of the MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews: Howard Weiner MD is the Robert L. Kroc Professor of Neurology at the Harvard Medical School, where is has been on faculty since 1976. He is the Director and Founder of the Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center as well as the Co-Director of the Center for Neurologic Diseases at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. He is also a film writer, director and author. Dr. Weiner is the author of “Curing MS.” His latest book is “The Brain Under Siege: Solving the Mystery of Brain Disease, and How Scientists are Following the Clues to a Cure.” Alberto Ascherio MD DrPH is Professor of Epidemiology & Nutrition at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Ascherio obtained his medical degree at the University of Milan in 1978. His research group focuses on identifying causes, risk factors and biomarkers of susceptibility and early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis including key research on Epstein-Barr virus and vitamin D. Visit www.mslivingwell.org for more information.
Released:
Jan 25, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (41)
Remyelination: Repairing Multiple Sclerosis: Myelin is the coating on the nerve cells (neurons) of the nervous system that allows messages to travel rapidly in our body. Myelin wrapped around the neurons also keeps neurons healthy. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin... by MS Living Well: Key Info from Multiple Sclerosis Experts