MS Can Affect Children's IQ, Thinking Skills
Multiple sclerosis (MS) typically starts in young adulthood, but about five percent of cases start in childhood or the teen years. Children with MS are at risk to exhibit low IQ scores and problems with memory, attention and other thinking skills, according to a study published in the May 13, 2008, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Older Persons With More Schooling Spend Fewer Years With Cognitive Loss
Those with at least a high school education spend more of their older years without cognitive loss - including the effects of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia -- but die sooner after the loss becomes apparent, reveals a new study appearing in the June 2008 issue of the Journal of Aging and Health.

Link Discovered Between Altered Dopamine Activity And Social Anxiety Disorder
Using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), researchers in The Netherlands were able to detect biochemical differences in the brains of individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), providing evidence of a long-suspected biological cause for the dysfunction.

LineaGen Selects Affymetrix Technology to Discover Genes ...
WELT ONLINE - Germany
LineaGen’s current discovery programs focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Autism, Multiple Sclerosis and Osteoporosis. ...
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Historically A Disappointment, Neuroprotective Drug Strategies Pursuing New Targets And Mechanisms
In terms of the number of people affected, neurological diseases that contributed to decline in neuronal function are sometimes considered the newest healthcare epidemic. With the number of cases of neurodegenerative conditions expected to grow dramatically, driven by the aging population in developed countries, this therapeutic area represents one of the most compelling in both commercial and human terms.

Victims face daily challenges of living with MS
Great Falls Tribune - Great Falls,MT,USA
Primary-Progressive MS is characterized by slowly worsening neurologic function from the beginning, with no distinct relapses or remissions. ...
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Montel Williams Farewell On Friday
WKRG-TV - Mobile,AL,USA
By WKRG Staff Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago, but says he still has lots of irons in the fire for when his show ends. ...
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Relationship Expert Congratulates Montel for 17 Years on TV
NewsReleaseWire.com (press release) - USA
Williams's last show is May 16. Williams, who has multiple sclerosis, formed his own foundation to combat the disease. He is also spokesperson for the ...
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Demonstrating How Embryonic Stem Cells Develop Into Tissue-Specific Cells
While it has long been known that embryonic stem cells have the ability to develop into any kind of tissue-specific cells, the exact mechanism as to how this occurs has heretofore not been demonstrated.
FACTBOX-Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill
Reuters - USA
... because of a shortage of donated human eggs -- to create embryonic stem cells to find cures for conditions like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. ...
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Opexa Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2008 Financial Results ...
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
The decrease was primarily related to the initial enrollment and start-up costs of the Phase IIb clinical trial for Tovaxin recorded in 2007 and a reduction ...
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Pharmaceutical benefits and emergency stockpile expanded
The Australian - Sydney,Australia
The decision to publicly fund Sensipar and Tysabri, which cost $12600 and $23700 a patient respectively, will cost taxpayers more than half a billion ...
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Skeletal Muscle Development Responds To Nutrient Availability
A new study finds that restricted nutrient availability prevents muscle stem cells from growing into mature muscle cells. The research, published by Cell Press in the May issue of the journal Developmental Cell, provides exciting new information about how developing muscle cells sense and respond to nutrient levels.

Family Issues

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MS Answershttp://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionView.aspx?L=2&QID=1761

Dr. Rodgers

Cinical psychologist at the University of Alberta Hospital
View BIO

Q :
My partner of many years has MS, I realize that emotions and feelings are affected by MS but I am wondering to what extent. We have 4 children and lead very busy lives however over the years my boyfriend has become more and more selfish with his time. I am trying very hard to be patient. I am already prepared to be his primary caregiver when/if his MS should worsen, and I can’t seem to get through to him that we need him now when things are good. Is it wrong to feel this way, and this common for people living with MS?
A :
Emotions and feelings are certainly affected by MS. To what extent this happens varies from individual to individual. Emotions are often affected by one’s reaction to loss and change but they can also be affected by brain lesions, medication and personality traits.
What you are describing sounds reactive in nature. He may be distancing himself because he doesn’t want to be a burden to you and the children if his MS should worsen. He may be more selfish with his time as a coping response to manage the busyness and activity of the family without letting you know that he can no longer keep up. His increasing isolation may be a symptom of depression.
There are many possible explanations for behavioral changes. If your boyfriend is willing to see a professional, the two of you will have the advantage if talking objectively about what is happening. Initially he may be more willing to see someone alone if he is having trouble coping with the diagnosis, changes, or unknown future.
Your feelings are shared by many partners who look beyond the diagnosis and work hard at achieving the best possible quality of life together with their loved one. Sometimes that is an even bigger challenge for the person with MS. As much as you try to be empathic, you can never know exactly what your boyfriend is experiencing. Many symptoms of MS are invisible. Many people with MS struggle with the “What Ifs” even when they are doing well. Continue to support your boyfriend and encourage him to share his feelings about the future with you.
5/14/2008 3:55:26 PM
More answers from Dr. Jennifer Rodgers
More answers in the category: Family Issues

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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that this information does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MS Society of Canada, and is not intended as medical advice. For specific advice and opinion, always consult a physician.
© 2008 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada | www.mssociety.ca

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