RealTalk MS

Since 2001, clinicians have relied on the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria as the gold standard for diagnosing someone with multiple sclerosis. As science continues to add to our understanding of MS, the McDonald Criteria have been updated in 2005, 2010, 2017, and most recently in 2024.

We'll also share results of a study that show MS may actually start 15 years before someone experiences their first MS symptom.

We'll tell you about a study that shows a decline in the number of people with MS who are progressing to secondary progressive MS.

We'll give you all the details so you can participate in the Shaping Tomorrow Together initiative with the FDA.

And we'll remind you that Burgers to Beat MS Day is just two days away!

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Updated criteria for diagnosing MS :22

Study results show that MS actually starts many years before the first symptom 1:21

Study shows a decline in the number of people progressing to secondary progressive MS 7:40

A unique opportunity for you to impact future treatments and share your experience of living with MS with the FDA 9:51

We're just 2 days away from Burgers to Beat MS Day! 13:06

Dr. Andrew Solomon shares a preview of the updated McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS 14:40

Share this episode 26:20

Coming next week 26:41

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Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/416

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I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

PARTICIPATE: Take the Shaping Tomorrow Together Survey https://s.alchemer.com/s3/Perspectives-on-MS

REGISTER: Attend the virtual Shaping Tomorrow Together meeting with the FDA https://nmss.quorum.us/event/25463

STUDY: Health Care Use Before Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Onset https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2837128

STUDY: Health Care Use Before Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Onset (PLAIN ENGLISH VERSION) https://tremlettsmsresearchexplained.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/healthcare-use-before-multiple-sclerosis-symptom-onset-explained

STUDY: Multiple Sclerosis From Onset to Secondary Progression: A 30-Year Italian Register Study https://researchgate.net/publication/392714813_Multiple_sclerosis_from_onset_to_secondary_progression_a_30-year_Italian_register_study

DONATE: Burgers To Beat MS https://burgerstobeatms.ca

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

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RealTalk MS Episode 416 Guest: Dr. Andrew Solomon

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Living with MS is expensive. Very expensive. It's estimated that the average cost of living with MS is over $88,000 per year. How, in the midst of financial stress and uncertainty, can you formulate a financial plan that takes MS into account?

And Beth Scott, the director of case management at the Patient Advocate Foundation, joins us to explain how you can take advantage of work incentive programs that allow an individual to keep working or even try returning to work while they're receiving Social Security Disability cash benefits.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Ways to earn and hold onto more money when you're living with MS :22

Beth Scott explains how you can benefit from work incentive programs while you're receiving Social Security Disability cash benefits :35

Paula Cole shares tips and strategies for establishing a personal financial plan for you and your family when you're living with MS 12:48

Share this episode 27:47

Next Week: The new criteria for diagnosing MS 28:07

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Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/415

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Become an MS Activist https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review

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

RealTalk MS Episode 415 Guests: Beth Scott, Paula Cole

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Living with MS has always meant living with uncertainty. Left unchecked, that uncertainty can lead to anxiety, which can make your MS symptoms feel worse.

You'll also meet the CEO of the MS International Federation, Dr. Lydia Makaroff.

And you'll hear how artist Gordon Keith is combining his art with philanthropy in support of MS Canada.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Finding peace during uncertain times :22

Dr. Lydia Makaroff discusses the work that the MS International Federation is involved in on behalf of the global MS community :58

Gordon Keith discusses his life as an artist and how he's using his art to raise funds for MS Canada 10:43

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Andrea Arzt, offers strategies for finding peace of mind while facing uncertainty 21:40

Share this episode 32:12

Next Week: It's all about the money! 32:32

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Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/414

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Become an MS Activist https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review

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

RealTalk MS Episode 414 Guests: Dr. Lydia Makaroff, Gordon Keith, and Andrea Arzt

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We're witnessing the early stages of a paradigm shift, as artificial intelligence is beginning to impact virtually every aspect of healthcare, from research to patient care. And there's much, much more to come.

We'll also share the encouraging results from a Phase 2 open-label extension study for Fenebrutinib, an investigational disease-modifying therapy.

We'll tell you about study results that show exercise interventions that follow physical activity guidelines for MS can have a significant impact on MS-related depression.

And we're sharing the results of a study that illustrate what can happen when you delay starting a disease-modifying therapy.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: How AI will impact MS patient care :22

Fenebrutinib shows positive results after one-year extension study 1:33

MS-related depression can be significantly eased through exercise intervention that follows physical activity guidelines for MS 3:36

What happens when you delay starting disease-modifying therapy? 8:46

Dr. Brad Willingham discusses how artificial intelligence is impacting all aspects of healthcare 14:29

Share this episode 33:18

Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app? 33:38

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS

Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/413

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Become an MS Activist https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

STUDY: Safety and Efficacy of Fenebrutinib in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FENopta): A Multicentre, Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Trial and Open-Label Extension https://thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(25)00174-7/abstract?rss=yes

STUDY: Effects of Meeting Exercise Guidelines on Depression and Anxiety in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09593985.2025.2518261

Exercise and Physical Activity Recommendations for ALL People with MS https://nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/exercise-and-physical-activity-recommend

STUDY: Delayed Access and Adherence are Real-World Challenges That Compromise Effectiveness of Natalizumab in Multiple Sclerosis https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034825003694

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review

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

RealTalk MS Episode 413 Guest: Dr. Brad Willingham

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More people over the age of 50 are being diagnosed with MS than ever before. When you consider the other health conditions that often develop as we age, and you add the fact that our immune system changes with age, there's a lot to think about when it comes to diagnosing and treating late-onset MS.

We'll also tell you about research results that could lead to a simple blood test that can predict MS years before someone experiences a single symptom.

You'll learn about an ultra-high resolution brain imaging tool that could open the door to precision neuroscience and revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders

The FDA wants to talk with people about what living with MS is like, and what they're looking for in future treatments. We'll tell you how and where to register for an informational webinar that will give you all the details about the Shaping Tomorrow Together initiative.

And if you're in or around Northern California, we'll remind you that you can join us this Saturday in Napa Valley at Crush MS!

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Understanding Late-Onset MS :22

How a simple blood test may predict MS years before someone experiences any symptoms 1:34

How a new ultra-high resolution brain imaging tool may revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders 6:40

Are you interested in telling the FDA what it's like living with MS, and what you want in future treatments? 8:53

Are you ready to support MS research while spending the afternoon in a Napa Valley vineyard? Get all the details to attend Crush MS 10:29

Dr. Jacqueline Nicholas discusses what's different and what's the same in treating late-onset MS 12:09

Share this episode 29:26

Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app? 29:46

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS

Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/412

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Become an MS Activist https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

STUDY: Early Identification of Individuals at Risk for Developing Multiple Sclerosis by Quantification of EBNA-1-381-452-Specific Antibody Titers https://nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61751-9

REGISTER: Informational Webinar on the FDA "Shaping Tomorrow Together" Listening Session https://nmss.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hHdHhEE3TBmPJ2glcgME0Q#/registration

EVENT: Crush MS https://crushms.org

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review

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

RealTalk MS Episode 412 Guest: Dr. Jacqueline Nicholas

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Back in Episode #401, we reported promising results from a Phase 2 clinical trial for vidofludimus calcium and its impact on progressive MS. This therapy is being developed by Immunic Therapeutics, and this week, Jason Tardio, Immunic's President and Chief Operating Officer, joins me to share some of the specifics of that clinical trial.

We're also sharing the encouraging results from a study that focused on the efficacy of neural stem cell transplantation as a remyelination therapy.

We'll tell you about a study in the U.K. that measured disability progression among people with MS five years after undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT).

You'll learn about an AI tool that can predict whether someone living with MS is likely to experience progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) with a high degree of accuracy.

We'll tell you where you can catch the International Progressive MS Alliance webcast featuring a panel of experts discussing the future role of digital tools in MS research.

We'll explain how one of the less publicized aspects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact future MS care.

And Crush MS is less than two weeks away! We're sharing all the details!

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Encouraging results from a clinical trial for progressive MS. :22

How a less-publicized aspect of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact future MS patient care 1:18

A study looked at the efficacy of neural stem cell transplantation as a remyelination therapy 4:31

A study in the U.K. analyzed disability progression among people with MS five years after receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell therapy (aHSCT) 7:42

Can AI accurately predict who will experience progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA)? 10:45

Don't miss the International Progressive MS Alliance webcast featuring experts discussing the future role of digital tools in MS research 12:40

Are you ready to support MS research while spending the afternoon in a Napa Valley vineyard? Get all the details to attend Crush MS 13:45

Jason Tardio, President and Chief Operating Officer of Immunic Therapeutics, discusses the recent Phase 2 clinical trial for vidofludimus calcium as a therapy for progressive MS 15:03

Share this episode 30:03

Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app? 30:23

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Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/411

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Become an MS Activist https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

STUDY: Remyelination of Chronic Demyelinated Lesions With Directly Induced Neural Stem Cells https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awaf208/8185601

STUDY: Autologous Haemotopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the U.K.: A 20-Year Retrospective Analysis of Activity Haematological Outcomes from the British Society of Blood And Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/bjh.20199

STUDY: Deep Learning to Predict Progression Independent of Relapse Activity at a First Demyelinating Event https://academic.oup.com/braincomms/article/7/4/fcaf243/8185588

WEBCAST: A Discussion From the International Progressive MS Alliance's Digital Tools Workshop https://msif.org/news/2025/07/08/webcast-digital-tools

EVENT: Crush MS https://crushms.org

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review

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

RealTalk MS Episode 411 Guest: Jason Tardio

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Over the past few months, we've shared news about an algorithm that can accurately predict whether someone living with MS will experience worsening symptoms or a relapse in the weeks ahead.

You've heard about a three-quarter-of-a-million-dollar investment by the International Progressive MS Alliance to support the development of an AI-based tool that will predict future disability as well as how someone with MS will respond to different disease-modifying therapies.

Just last week, you learned about a digital tool that can accurately diagnose whether someone has relapsing-remitting MS or progressive MS -- after a five-minute test!

Digital tools are poised to rewrite the rules when it comes to conducting MS research and providing patient care. Welcome to Part Two of our coverage of the Digital Tools Workshop hosted by the International Progressive MS Alliance.

In this week's episode, you'll hear Vanessa Fanning share her perspective as someone living with progressive MS on how digital tools can benefit people with progressive MS, while also highlighting some of the challenges that need to be addressed.

Then, you'll hear neuroimmunologist and data scientist Professor Sergio Baranzini discuss how all the data that digital tools produce will be integrated into MS research and MS care.

Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie recaps the topics covered at the meeting and describes the next steps necessary to integrate digital tools into MS clinical care.

And we'll have to take a moment to share the frightening real-world consequences of last week's decision by President Trump and Congress to cut a trillion dollars from Medicaid.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: The real-world impact of the Big, Beautiful Bill on people with MS and any other chronic illness :22

An example of how a digital tool could revolutionize MS patient care 7:41

Vanessa Fanning shares a patient's perspective on how digital tools can benefit people living with progressive MS and reminds us of the challenges that still need to be solved 11:19

Professor Sergio Baranzini discusses managing big data in the clinic 23:15

Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie provides a recap of the workshop and describes the next steps to be taken 31:07

Share this episode 43:21

Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app? 43:41

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Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/410

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Become an MS Activist https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review

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

RealTalk MS Episode 410 Guests: Vanessa Fanning, Professor Sergio Baranzini, Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie

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Last week, I was in Philadelphia, attending the Digital Tools Workshop hosted by the International Progressive MS Alliance. Welcome to Part One of our coverage!

As we look around us, it's hard to imagine a single aspect of our lives that hasn't been impacted by the constant and rapid evolution of technology. Just consider the capabilities of the device you're using to listen to this podcast. This workshop highlighted the ways that emerging digital tools will accelerate MS clinical trials and enhance personalized MS care.

In this week's episode, you'll hear Dr. Robert Fox, the Chair of the International Progressive MS Alliance Scientific Steering Committee, and Dr. Tim Coetzee, President and CEO of the National MS Society, discuss some of the ways digital tools can impact MS research and care, as well as some of the issues that need to be addressed to ensure that everyone living with MS can benefit from these tools.

Then, you'll hear the workshop co-chair, Dr. Jennifer Graves, discuss her team's work in developing a digital tool that can accurately determine whether an individual has relapsing-remitting MS or progressive MS -- after a 5-minute test that consists of tapping their fingers and feet!

You'll hear Dr. Anne Helme, the Head of Research and Access at the MS International Federation, explain how digital tools can boost patient-reported outcomes in MS research.

And you'll hear Dr. Stefan Gold share the positive results of his study involving an at-home digital intervention designed to treat depression among people with MS.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: From the International Progressive MS Alliance Digital Tools Workshop :22

Dr. Tim Coetzee and Dr. Robert Fox discuss how digital tools will impact MS research and care :54

Dr. Jennifer Graves talks about her team's work in developing a digital tool, and how MS research is being threatened by drastic cuts in federal research funding 9:56

Dr. Anne Helme discusses how digital tools will boost patient-reported outcomes in MS research 16:26

Dr. Stefan Gold shares the positive results of his study involving an at-home digital intervention designed to treat depression among people with MS. 24:06

Share this episode 37:38

Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app? 37:58

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS

Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/409

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review

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

RealTalk MS Episode 409 Guests: Dr. Tim Coetzee, Dr. Robert Fox, Dr. Jennifer Graves, Dr. Anne Helme, Dr. Stefan Gold

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Have you experienced those familiar feelings of frustration when the people closest to you don't seem to get your MS? Do you find yourself explaining and re-explaining things to well-meaning friends, co-workers, and even family members?

We're also sharing research results that show that someone's age at the time they experience the first symptoms of MS can determine whether they experience a better physical or mental health-related quality of life.

We'll tell you about a report issued jointly by the MS Society in the UK and the Work Foundation at Lancaster University that details specific challenges people with MS face in the workplace.

We'll give you the details about the National MS Society's Fast Forward investment in Neurogenesis, a biotech company developing a proprietary stem cell therapy designed to treat progressive MS.

And we'll share news about the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS), a device that's used in combination with physical therapy to reduce walking problems for people with MS.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: The frustration you might feel when some of the people closest to you don't really seem to get your MS. :22

Study results show that the age of MS onset can be predictive of physical and mental health-related quality of life 1:27

A report details challenges faced in the workplace by people living with MS in the UK 4:28

The MS Society's Fast Forward program has made an investment in Neurogenesis, a biotech company developing a proprietary cell therapy designed to treat progressive MS 8:00

Aetna Healthcare has become the third major private insurer to offer reimbursement for the PoNS device 11:00

Kris Inman discusses the finer points of being an MS care partner 14:17

Share this episode 29:13

Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app? 29:32

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS

Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/408

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Become an MS Activist https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

Act Now! Contact Your Senators About Medicaid and Health Coverage https://nmss.quorum.us/campaign/127768

STUDY: Age of Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Onset Affects Mental and Physical Health-Related Quality of Life in Opposite Directions https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034825003037

REPORT: No Compromises: Supporting People with MS to Thrive In and Out of Work https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/documents/lums/work-foundation/reports/WF_MSSNoCompromises-SupportingpeoplewithMStothriveinandoutofwork.pdf

Neurogenesis https://neurogenesis-cell.com

The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) https://ponstherapy.com

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200

Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk

Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review

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

RealTalk MS Episode 408 Guest: Kris Inman

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Getting a good night's sleep is something that benefits everyone. And if you're someone who's living with MS, it's perhaps even more important. But research suggests that more than half the people living with MS experience poor sleep.

We're also explaining how changes in U.S. public policy will impact people with MS.

We'll tell you about an algorithm developed at Duke University that can predict (with 80-90% accuracy!) whether someone's MS symptoms will worsen in the weeks ahead.

We'll share study results that show MS accelerates biological aging among children and teens with MS. We'll explain why this finding can also be applied to adults with MS, and what it means.

And we'll tell you about the biotech start-up that has succeeded at bringing the brains of people who have passed away back to life, and we'll explain why that can have a major impact on CNS disease research.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Sleep Hygiene and MS :22

How public policy changes in the U.S. will impact people with MS 1:18

What if you knew when an MS symptom was going to worsen? 6:18

Study results show MS accelerates biological aging in children 9:04

How re-animated human brains could accelerate CNS research (And which company is doing it!) 12:00

Dr. Katie Siengsukon discusses the importance of good sleep hygiene for people living with MS 15:37

Share this episode 33:32

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LINKS

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Become an MS Activist https://nationalmssociety.org/advocacy

Act Now! Contact Your Senators About Medicaid and Health Coverage https://nmss.quorum.us/campaign/127768

STUDY: Performance of Machine Learning Models for Predicting High-Severity Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis https://nature.com/articles/s41598-024-63888-x

STUDY: Epigenetic Aging in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis https://neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000213673

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RealTalk MS Episode 407 Guest: Dr. Katie Siengsukon

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