The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is holding its Annual Meeting this week in Los Angeles. And with more than 10,000 neurologists all in one place, we're talking about a LOT of news coming out of that conference.   Just some of the topics we're talking about on this week's podcast:

• The AAN announced new guidelines for treating MS.
• A new study will convince you to begin MS disease-modifying therapy sooner, rather than later.
• The National MS Society has announced $14.2 million dollars in funding for 45 new research projects aimed at slowing, stopping, and ending MS.
• Genentech announced some good news for MS patients taking Ocrevus.
• Biogen announced the results of several MS research studies.
• Computer-based cognitive training can improve memory for people living with MS.

My guest on the podcast is 3-time Stanley Cup winner and and star of the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks, Bryan Bickell. Bryan retired from hockey last year, after being diagnosed with MS.

We'll talk with Bryan about what it was like to get that diagnosis, what it was like to score that very memorable final goal of his career, and what lies ahead for him. (NOTE: During our conversation, Bryan references a website, "My Fighting Hockey Story". The correct website is MyFightingStory.com. Sorry for the confusion!)

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AAN Announces New Treatment Guidelines For MS  2:02

Study Indicates Importance of Starting MS Treatment ASAP  4:01

National MS Society Investing $14.2 Million in New Research  6:54

Genentech Has Good News For MS Patients Taking Ocrevus  8:25

Biogen Study Correlates MS Cognitive Decline to Socioeconomic Demographics  10:35

Computer-Based Cognitive Training Improves Memory for People Living with MS  12:49

The MSUnderstood Cafe Gives People A Taste of MS  13:49

Interview with hockey star Bryan Bickell  16:03

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LINKSIf your podcast app doesn’t show these links, you’ll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com

American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting   AAN Announces New Treatment Guidelines for MS   Early Versus Later Treatment Start in Multiple Sclerosis - A Register Based Cohort Study   Register for Interim Analysis of the Ocrelizumab Biomarker Outcome Evaluation Study in Multiple Sclerosis Research Study   Benchmarks of Cognitive Performance in a Large, Representative Patient Population   Cognitive Training and Neuropsychological Performance of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis   The MSUnderstood Cafe   Bryan Bickell's Career Final Shot is a Shootout Goal   Bryan Bickell's Story

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Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.

RealTalk MS Episode 29 Guest: Bryan Bickell Hosted By: Jon Strum

Tags: MS, multiple sclerosis, AAN, AANAM, MS Treatment Guidelines, Genentech, Biogen, Ocrevus, NMSS, National MS Society, Roche, MSUnderstood Cafe, Bryan Bickell, RealTalkMS