Research

Dr. Yong

Professor in the Departments of Oncology & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, AB
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Q :
I often read that there's never been a better time to be diagnosed with MS and that the pace of MS research is dramatic etc etc, but there are still so many big unanswered questions: (i) cause (ii) mechanisms of damage (iii) inflammatory or neurodegenerative disease (or both) (iv) prognosis for individuals etc etc. How do we know that real progress is being made rather than just more questions to be answered are being identified?
A :
The pace of MS research is in fact very significant. As you have pointed out, many big unanswered questions remain. The cure is still elusive. Significant disabilities that have accumulated over the years remain difficult to reverse. Nonetheless, real progress has been made toward a better understanding of the disease process and how to slow down the progress of neurological damage. We now have many medications that are potent anti-inflammatory agents that do a very good job of reducing inflammatory activity and we are also moving ahead with toward a better understanding of what must be achieved in order to enable better recovery from disability. Thus, while the big unanswered questions remain, the pace of progress is in fact real and significant. Overall, the number of relapses and their severity are reduced with current medications, the progression of disability is slowed and there are significant efforts in the arena of trying to repair some of the damage that has already occurred in the nervous system in MS.
7/18/2008 10:25:51 PM
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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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