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 12, 2011

The Promise of NOW: Annual Meeting of Members Research Update & Conference

*** Less than 2 weeks left to register! ***

The Promise of NOW: Annual Meeting of Members Conference & EXPO with Stanley F. Waterman Research Update

This year’s Annual Meeting of Members will include educational workshops, a research update and a product EXPO at each of our four locations. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to visit the EXPO to learn about health, recreation, and independence products and services, and to network with others living with MS. This FREE program includes lunch. Limit 2 adult guests per registrant.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Date: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Location – choose the site you wish to attend:

Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlborough MA
Stanley F. Waterman Research Update- Opening Doors in the MS Research Pipeline: 20 years of Progress in MS Diagnosis and Treatment presented by Mayo Clinic Neurologist and Researcher Dr. Brian Weinshenker Winner of the 2011 John Dystel Prize for MS Research

Clarion, Portland ME
Stanley F. Waterman Research Update- How are Cognition and Fatigue Affected by MS presented by John DeLuca, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor, Dept of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dept of Neurosciences Univ. of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School

Church Landing, Meredith NH
Stanley F. Waterman Research Update- Coming Soon - a New Treatment Option for Secondary Progressive MS presented by Carolina Ionete, MD, Ph.D, University of Massachusetts Medical Center Multiple Sclerosis Clinic Neurologist & Researcher

Hilton Burlington Hotel, Burlington VT
Stanley F. Waterman Research Update- Hope Through MS Research: Recent Advances and Emerging Therapies presented by Angela Applebee, MD, Assistant Professor, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Director of the MS Center of Northern New England, Burlington, VT

Registration deadline: October 22, 2011

Agenda:

8:30 am Continental Breakfast & Registration
9:00 am Welcome & EXPO
9:30 am Workshops
12:00 noon Lunch
12:30 pm Annual Meeting
1:30 pm Stanley F. Waterman Research Presentation

Learn something new about current MS research directions, MS treatments, symptom management, resources, services & products available to you. Feel more confident in managing MS & its effects on your life. Learn something new about the National MS Society & the Greater New England Chapter and join the movement!

To register: Follow the links for the location you want to attend
Call 1-800-344-4867.

If you are not able to attend and wish to assign your proxy vote, please use this link:

Eligibility: Person with MS and adult guests.
This program not suitable for children. This program is handicapped-accessible.
Posted by Steve at Wednesday, October 12, 2011

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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.