Multiple Sclerosis: Upcoming Event -- Making Connections: Annual Meeting of Members & Conference

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.

The National MS Society

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Upcoming Event -- Making Connections: Annual Meeting of Members & Conference

Making Connections: Annual Meeting of Members & Conference Saturday October 20, 2012 9am-3pm This conference includes MS education, annual meeting of members, research update and a health & resource EXPO. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to visit the exhibitors to learn about health, recreation, independence products and services and to network and share experiences with others living with MS. Updates on MS research at all 4 sites. DCU Center, Worcester MA: The Hope of Emerging Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis with Elliot Frohman, MD, Director, MS Program, Dept. of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Augusta Civic Center, Augusta ME: MS & Rehabilitation: What’s New that can Help You? with Alexius E.G. Sandoval, MD, Rehabilitation Medicine, EMMC Executive Court Banquet Facility, Manchester NH: MS Research: What’s on the Horizon with Nicholas LaRocca, PhD, Director of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the National MS Society. The Essex, Essex VT: Mapping the Way: Directions in MS Research with Ann Cabot, DO, Concord Hospital Neurology Associates Registration deadline: October 12, 2012 Cost: $10 per person. This program includes lunch. Limit 2 adult guests per registrant. For persons with MS: When registering please indicate if you would like complimentary admission To register: Call 1-800-344-4867 Register online Because MS affects more than just the individual diagnosed, our programs welcome friends and family members unaccompanied by a person with MS. If you cannot attend but would like to vote by proxy, fill out the proxy form. This program is handicapped accessible This program not suitable for children. Adults with MS and their adult guests

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