Read the full blog article for this episode here: 👉 https://ms-perspektive.com/117-fear

In this deeply personal episode, I talk about a feeling we all know too well: fear. Whether it's the fear that comes with a new MS diagnosis, anxiety around health uncertainties, or concern about the state of democracy and social justice—fear can be overwhelming.

I share my own journey with fear and how I’ve learned to regain control through small, powerful steps like journaling, healthy routines, and taking civic action. I also talk about why engaging outside your social media bubble and using your voice—especially by voting—can help counter the fear of political shifts that may affect vulnerable groups, including people with chronic illnesses.

You’ll also hear tips on:

• How to recognize when fear is becoming too much

• Where and how to seek professional help

• Using success or gratitude journals to shift your mindset

• Why your personal choices matter—and how much power you really have

💬 Quote of the episode: "The three-letter superpower isn’t the USA—it’s YOU."

Whether you're living with MS or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode gives you encouragement, clarity, and a sense of agency.

💛 Let’s stay connected: Website: ms-perspektive.com Instagram: @ms.perspektive.international Newsletter: Sign up on the website to never miss an episode!

🎙️ Thank you for listening— Take care, and remember: you are stronger than your fear.

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🔗 Read the full blog article here

In this episode, Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel—medical scientist and nutrition expert—joins us to explore the widespread impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health. Drawing from 73 high-quality meta-analyses, he explains which diseases are linked to sugar and why reducing intake is important for everyone—especially for those already managing chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).

While there is no clear causal link between sugar and MS itself, the concern lies in the fact that comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and fatty liver are more likely to occur with high sugar intake—and those conditions can complicate the treatment and progression of MS.

If you're living with MS, your health is already under enough pressure. Avoiding unnecessary additional burdens is key. This conversation is a powerful motivator to rethink your daily habits and take control of your long-term well-being.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• What science really says about sugar and chronic illness

• How excess sugar contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation

• Why sugar-related diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular issues matter even more if you have MS

• Findings from a landmark global study on sugar and 83 health conditions

• The role of sugary drinks and processed foods in driving chronic disease

• Understanding different types of sugar (glucose, fructose, galactose)

• How to read labels and spot hidden sugars

• Sugar addiction: fact or myth? And how can you break the cycle?

🎓 About my guest:

Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel is a biologist and medical scientist with more than 30 years of experience in nutrition-related metabolic disorders. He lectures across Germany and collaborates with the Technical University of Berlin.

His passion for nutrition began in his teens, when quitting sugar helped cure his severe acne. Today, he’s dedicated to educating others about the long-term consequences of excessive sugar intake.

📚 Further Resources:

• “The Big Sugar Lie” – ARTE documentary (in German) Watch on YouTube

• Books:

  • Robert Lustig – Fat Chance: The Bitter Truth About Sugar

  • John Yudkin – Pure, White and Deadly

  • Gary Taubes – The Case Against Sugar

  • Michael Moss – Salt Sugar Fat

✨ From me:

This conversation was a wake-up call for me personally. While sugar might not directly impact MS, I certainly don’t want to add preventable health issues on top of an existing diagnosis. Starting today, I’m committed to cutting back on sugar—and maybe this episode will inspire you to do the same.

📌 I’ll be sharing more content on this topic soon. Until then, I highly recommend checking out the twin study on MS and the gut microbiome, featured in [Episode #156 with Dr. Lisa-Ann Gerdes].

💌 Want motivation and science-based insights in your inbox? Subscribe to my free newsletter. 🎙️ See all podcast episodes here

What this episode is about: In this episode, I speak with Prof. Christoph Heesen from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in Germany about stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis. We explore when it makes sense, how it works, who it might benefit – and what the risks are.

Prof. Heesen draws from both clinical experience and ongoing research. He explains the process step by step and gives a transparent look at a clinical trial currently running in Germany. This study compares stem cell therapy with established high-efficacy MS treatments like Lemtrada and Ocrevus – with the long-term goal of securing broader access and insurance coverage.

👉 The original interview was conducted in German and translated into English for this podcast.

You can read through the interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/115-ahsct-heesen

🧠 What you'll learn in this episode:

• Who is eligible for stem cell therapy and why age and disease duration matter

• How the treatment is performed – from stem cell mobilization to immune system rebuilding

• Why stem cell therapy may work better than current medications for some patients

• What risks are involved: from infertility to secondary autoimmune diseases

• What recovery looks like – and what to consider if you have children or a demanding home life

• How Prof. Heesen and his team support patients in decision-making

• The structure and goal of the ongoing German clinical trial comparing stem cell therapy with Lemtrada and Ocrevus

🔗 Useful Links:

• UKE Hamburg: https://www.uke.de

• German MS Society (DMSG): https://www.dmsg.de

• ClinicalTrials.gov entry for related stem cell MS studies: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov

🎧 Tune in now to better understand if stem cell therapy might be an option for you or someone you care about. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others in the MS community or leave a review.

💬 And remember: “Find your own path with MS – and look for doctors who will support you on it.” – Prof. Christoph Heesen

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

✨ Episode Summary: Traveling with Multiple Sclerosis can feel overwhelming at first—I’ve been there. You might be wondering: Can I still fly long distances? Will my meds stay safe? What if I get sick abroad? These are all valid concerns.

But trust me, with a bit of planning and the right mindset, MS doesn’t have to hold you back. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 practical travel tips from my own experience—having visited places like Australia, Japan, Namibia, Cuba, and more since my diagnosis.

👉 Read the full blog post here: https://ms-perspektive.com/114-traveling

💬 What I’ll Share with You:

• How to choose the right destination with MS in mind

• Why your medication belongs in your hand luggage—always

• How to deal with heat, fatigue, and jet lag

• Adjusting medication timing across time zones

• What to know about vaccinations and medical prep

• How to keep meds cool even on long journeys

• Tips for organizing your documents and staying safe

• Why you should still chase your travel dreams

❤️ From Me to You: I’m not here to sugarcoat things—but I am here to show you that traveling with MS is totally doable. You deserve adventures and unforgettable memories. Let me help you feel more confident hitting the road, the skies, or even the ocean (yes, I went scuba diving!).

🧳 Bonus: Grab my free travel checklist for MS from the blog to make sure you're fully prepared.

🎧 Listen Now Let’s get you ready for your next trip—MS and all. I’ve got your back.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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Guest: Dr. Irina Fedulow Plante Title: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist Founder of NeuroMamaTribe and Mountain Neuro Wellness & Physical Therapy Location: Truckee, California, USA

💡 About This Episode

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Irina Fedulow Plante—physical therapist, neurologic clinical specialist, and founder of NeuroMamaTribe. Irina shares her passion for helping women with multiple sclerosis (MS) through an integrative and deeply empowering approach that blends neuroscience, movement, and motherhood.

If you’re a woman navigating MS—or supporting someone who is—this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and hopeful.

🧭 In This Episode 👣 Her Journey

• Why she specialized in MS rehabilitation

• The story behind NeuroMamaTribe

🧘‍♀️ Movement & MS

• Common exercise myths in the MS world

• How ballet, yoga, and nature can help

• One simple routine to get started

🔄 Hormones & Life Stages

• How menstruation, pregnancy & menopause affect MS

• Tips for managing symptom fluctuations

• Physical therapy insights for pregnancy & postpartum recovery

🌿 Whole-Person Wellness

• Incorporating breathwork, mindfulness & body awareness into PT

• Why emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness matter in MS care

👭 Empowerment & Support

• When to seek professional rehab support

• How NeuroMamaTribe supports women at different life stages

⚡ Quickfire Round

• "For me, MS is..."

• What Irina wants to see in the field of MS in the next 5 years

🗨️ Quotes to Remember – Dr. Irina Fedulow Plante

“MS is a teacher. It teaches resilience, surrender, and the power of presence.”

“You are not broken. Your body is communicating with you. Healing is possible—in body, mind, and spirit.”

📌 Resources & Links

🔗 Website: neuromamatribe.com 📸 Instagram: @neuromamatribe 📰 Subscribe to her newsletter for updates on tools, programs, and upcoming events

🔔 Don’t Miss Future Episodes!

Subscribe to my podcast and leave a review—it helps more people find these powerful stories.

❤️ Final Words

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. 📬 Click here to sign up

🎙 Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far

Learn how MSIF is shaping a better future for people with MS—through global collaboration, advocacy, and the power of lived experience.

Read the interview highlights on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/112-msif

The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) plays a vital role in uniting the global MS community to improve the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis. In this inspiring interview, Peer Baneke, former CEO, and Lydia Makaroff, the new CEO, share their insights on past milestones, current challenges, and the future vision of MSIF. From global access to treatments, early diagnosis, and mental health support to patient-led research and digital innovation—this conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone living with MS or working to support those who do.

👉 Take a moment to listen to the full podcast episode or read the interview highlights—whether you’re living with MS, supporting a loved one, or working in the field, there’s something here for you. Let’s stay connected, informed, and inspired—together with the global MS community. 💪🧡

Table of Contents

• Introduction & Personal Insights
• The Mission of MSIF
• Global Impact and Collaboration
• Advocacy and Access to Care
• Patient Voices and Well-being
• Research, Innovation and the Future
• Strengthening the Global MS Movement
• Final Reflections

Introduction & Personal Insights Peer, you recently retired after many years at MSIF. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share a personal hobby that kept you grounded during your time as CEO?

Peer Baneke: I’m Peer Baneke, and I served as CEO of MSIF for 18 years. Before that, I worked in human rights and refugee support. MS is close to my heart—my father had MS—and I’ve lived in and around London for over 40 years. What keeps me grounded is my family and cycling. Now that I’m retired, I enjoy even more time for it.

Lydia, congratulations on your new role! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what motivates you to lead MSIF?

Lydia Makaroff: Thank you! I grew up in Australia and worked in the US, Belgium, and now here. I’ve always believed in international collaboration. My background spans science, the pharmaceutical industry, and civil society. What drives me is the opportunity MSIF has to truly create global change for people affected by MS.

Peer, what message of hope would you like to share?

Peer Baneke: There will be progress. Despite global challenges, research and advocacy are moving forward. The commitment of the MS community gives me great hope for the future.

Lydia, where can listeners learn more about MSIF?

Lydia Makaroff: Visit www.msif.org, and follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn. Also, check out www.worldmsday.org and join our MS Heart Challenge on May 30th.

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Thank you for the incredible achievements so far, and for all the important work MSIF is doing and will continue to do in the future.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Learn more about my experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, prenatal classes, and breastfeeding with multiple sclerosis.

You can read through the complete post on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/111-childbirth

Today, I’m sharing my experiences of pregnancy, birth preparation, giving birth, the postpartum period, and breastfeeding with MS. I’ve now had the privilege of experiencing this exciting time twice. Fortunately, everything went quite smoothly for me, and I want to encourage you to fulfill your dream of having children if that’s what you want.

Are you currently thinking about having children or would you like to find out more in advance? In this article, I share my experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding with you and give you some tips. Having children with MS is usually just as easy or difficult as it is without this diagnosis. However, more planning is required to keep the disease under control so that you can focus mainly on the anticipation and then on your baby.

Table of Contents

• Diagnosis and desire to have children
• Pregnancy with multiple sclerosis
• Birth preparation course
• The delivery
• Postpartum
• Breastfeeding
• Re-entry immunotherapy
• Tips for you
• Who should know about your MS diagnosis?
• Good luck!
• Further information

Finally, I would like to wish you the best of luck in fulfilling your dream of having children. Try not to worry too much and enjoy the anticipation of your little miracle. You will certainly be a wonderful mother in your own unique way.

Further information

You may also be interested in the following article on this topic:

• #055: Therapeutic decisions regarding pregnancy and lactation with Prof. Celia Oreja-Guevara

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Many thanks for the positive insight views into the topic of pregnancy and lactation with MS.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Neuroradiologist Prof. Mike Wattjes explains in easy-to-understand terms what you need to know about MRI scans for MS.

You can read through the transcript here: https://ms-perspektive.com/110-10-mri-facts

This time, I have translated the original German interview with Prof. Dr. Mike P. Wattjes on the importance of MRI as an imaging technique for diagnosis, progression assessment, therapy decisions, and monitoring of disease-modifying therapies in MS patients into English. Prof. Wattjes is the lead author of the MAGNIMS Guideline 2021, which provides global recommendations and standards for MRI examinations in people with MS.

He explains the ten most important things about MRI in multiple sclerosis in an easy-to-understand way. He also discusses well-established MRI imaging options that will hopefully soon be available to all MS patients and the importance of standardization in order to harness the potential of magnetic resonance imaging.

Table of Contents

• Introduction Prof. Dr. Mike P. Wattjes
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in multiple sclerosis
• Farewell

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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Cognitive reserve is important for PwMS as it can compensate damage caused by MS to a certain amount. Learn how to measure and improve it.

You can read through the complete article on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/109-cognitive-reserve

I often talk about the cognitive reserve in my podcast and blog posts. When it is used up, the brain can no longer compensate for any damage that occurs. However, it is more of a concept and not that easy to grasp, this cognitive reserve, and of course it can also be used up in other ways. So it’s time to take a closer look at it. How can you measure it and what do you do with the result? Fortunately, there are a number of training options to counteract the invisible challenges – such as memory lapses, concentration difficulties or slowed thinking. To ensure that cognitive changes do not have a significant impact, it is crucial that our brain has the ability to adapt, remain flexible and continue to function even in the event of damage or disease. The good news? Cognitive reserve is not set at birth. You can actively build and strengthen it over time, even into old age.

Find out what the concept of cognitive reserve really means, how it is measured using the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq), and, most importantly, what you can do to protect and boost your brainpower – even if you are struggling with MS-related fatigue or limited time. Whether you are just starting to explore the topic or are looking for new strategies, this guide is designed to help you take a confident step towards mental resilience.

Table of Contents

• What Is Cognitive Reserve and Why Is It Important in MS?
• What Is the CRIq and How Does It Measure Cognitive Reserve?
• What Can You Do If Your Cognitive Reserve Is Low?
• Why Aren’t These Tests Commonly Used in MS Care?
• How Reliable Is a Self-Test and What Are Its Limitations?
• Why Is It Always Worthwhile to Train Cognitive Reserve?
• How Can You Train Cognitive Reserve Effectively?
• Do I Need to Train All Areas?
• Why You Shouldn’t Be Disheartened by a Low Starting Score
• How to Start Small (Especially with Fatigue or Limited Time)
• In Summary
• More information

You can also complete the CRIq conveniently online through the official platform: https://www.cognitivereserveindex.org/choice.php. This allows you to choose between a long or short version, both designed for easy self-assessment. I’ve done it myself and provided my anonymous information to the University of Padua, Italy. It is quite basic, but gives you an idea where you stand.

More information

If you want to know more about the cognitive reserve, you might want to start with the Wikipedia article which offers further resources as always.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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Find out how AI can help you to get a more structured doctor's appointment that allows you to address all important points.

You can read through the article or copy the prompts and replacing the details with your symptoms and request: https://ms-perspektive.com/108-chatgpt

Today, I’ll show you how you can use AI, for example ChatGPT, to better prepare for your doctor’s appointment. I visit the MS Center in Dresden, Germany, once every quarter, and in all these years, it has happened often enough that I forgot to address important topics. There were different reasons for this. You probably know the feeling. When results are presented that you didn’t expect, terms are used that are new or at least not familiar enough to make you wonder. And with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis, there may well be several topics to discuss with your doctor. Time is usually short – and when you’re nervous, it’s easy to forget half of what you need to say.

I have found that ChatGPT can help me prepare for such conversations. In this episode, I’ll show you how it can work in practical terms, using a real-world example.

Table of Contents

• Why is preparation so important?
• A practical example: MS and ChatGPT
• How do I set up a conversation like this?
• Conclusion and invitation
• Protect your private data

Protect your private data

Please remember not to upload any personal data that could be used to identify you, such as your doctor’s note with your address. Instead, upload only the section that does not include your name. Or black out all sensitive data beforehand.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.