Current Treatments
BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis

AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) is a 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of AVONEX® is identical to that of natural human interferon beta.

COPAXONE is the brand name for glatiramer acetate (formerly known as copolymer-1). Glatiramer acetate, the active ingredient of COPAXONE, consists of the acetate salts of synthetic polypeptides, containing four naturally occurring amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine with an average molar fraction of 0.141, 0.427, 0.095, and 0.338, respectively. The average molecular weight of glatiramer acetate is 5,000 – 9,000 daltons. Glatiramer acetate is identified by specific antibodies.

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is a purified 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of Rebif® is identical to that of natural fibroblast derived human interferon beta. Natural interferon beta and interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) are glycosylated with each containing a single N-linked complex carbohydrate moiety.

Tysabri is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage. Tysabri is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. 		Gilenya™ is a new class of medication called a phingosine 1-phosphate receptormodulator, which is thought to act by retaining certain white blood cells (lympohcytes) in the lymph nodes, thereby preventing those cells from crossing the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system (CNS). Preventing the entry of these cells into the CNS reduces inflammatory damage to nerve cells.

Early Symptoms
The most common early symptoms of MS include:
* Tingling * Numbness
* Loss of balance
* Weakness in one or more limbs
* Blurred or double vision

Less common symptoms of MS may include
* Slurred speech
* Sudden onset of paralysis
* Lack of coordination
* Cognitive difficulties
Listed above, the early symptoms. I tend to be a poster child for these. The symptoms that occur later on are too numerous just to list. There will be a link included that will get you to a site where these symptoms are listed and explained. Keep in mind that someone may have some of these or many of these, there is no way to tell.
Multiple sclerosis statistics show that approximately 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with this disease. The life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis is nearly the same as for those without MS. Because of this, multiple sclerosis statistics place the annual cost of MS in the United States in the billions of dollars. MS is five times more prevalent in temperate climates -- such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe -- than in tropical regions. Furthermore, the age of 15 seems to be significant in terms of risk for developing the disease. Some studies indicate that a person moving from a high-risk (temperate) to a low-risk (tropical) area before the age of 15 tends to adopt the risk (in this case, low) of the new area and vice versa. Other studies suggest that people moving after age 15 maintain the risk of the area where they grew up.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter Two great programs in Attleboro & Foxboro - Sign up today!

MS Product Fair: Improving Independence & Quality of Life

Please join the Greater New England Chapter and our co-sponsor, the MS Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital for a presentation of assistive devices, products, and services designed to increase independence for persons with disabilities. Life with MS can be frustrating. The ability to complete what was once an easy task may become more difficult. However, there are numerous products to assist with mobility, grabbing, hearing, vision, organization, heat sensitivity, and much more that can be helpful to people with MS.

Representatives at vendor booth displays are available to assist you and answer questions about their products or services.

The MS Product Fair is an interactive program that allows you to try out a variety of products. A wheelchair van is on display. Refreshments are provided. Door prizes!

Location: Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Rice-Webb Auditorium, Attleboro, MA
Date: Monday, October 25, 2010
Time: 3 - 7 pm FREE! Please register by Friday, October 22.

Three easy ways to register:

Call: 1-800-344-4867, option 1
Email: Martha.Maynard@nmss.org
Register Online here

Cognifitness: A Mental Exercise Program

Up to 60% of people with MS experience cognitive changes. Learn exercise & strategies to help focus your attention, improve memory, planning & problem solving skills.

Guest Speaker: Nancy Lowenstein, OTR, Mount Auburn MS Center

Topics to be covered:
# Attention skills
# Memory Skills
# Executive Skills

Cost is $10 per person (includes materials and lunch)
Limit: Person with MS and 1 adult guest
Space is limited - pre-registration is required.

Location: Hockomock YMCA, Foxboro, MA
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Time: 10am - 3pm
Fee: $10 per person (fee waiver available)

If you would like a fee reduction or waiver, please call the Chapter to register. Do not proceed to online registration page.

Please register by Monday, November 1

Three easy ways to register:

Call: 1-800-344-4867, option 1
Email: Martha.Maynard@nmss.org
Register Online here


National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater New England Chapter
101A First Avenue, Suite 6
Waltham, MA 02451-1115
tel: 1 800-344-4867
fax: 1 781-890-2089
Posted by Steve at Wednesday, October 20, 2010

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About Me

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North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
Well-educated, disabled at this point with Multiple Sclerosis. I am very glad that I was able to do the things that I have been able to do over the years. had to change the picture, this one's more realistic.