Why Memory Fades with Age

Interesting work that might help explain some memory issues in MS, even though it isn't MS research.

Previous research has shown that bundles of axons wither over time. These conduits, collectively referred to as white matter, help connect different regions of the brain to allow for proper information processing.

Now, researchers have found that white matter naturally degrades as we agecausing disrupted communication between brain regions and memory deficits.

Man stopped for speeding in wheelchair

The subject says it all. Now that's a ticket I'd be proud to get.

Another ECTRIMS summary

This one is on Medscape (free registration required). You'll find an interview with Dr. Mark Freedman, overviews of some of the topics presented (new treatment results, quality of life issues, use of MRI and other diagnostic tools, etc.), and a compilation of specific treatment-related news stories that came out of the conference.

Accelerated Cure Project Intro and Appeal Video

Alan Weinberg, a volunteer with a video production company, pulled together this excellent video for the Accelerated Cure Project to use as an introduction and an appeal. So if you'd like to introduce a friend to our organization, forward them the link.

Skin Patch for "Smart" Drug Delivery

We're always looking for new ways to deliver drugs, other than injection. Hewlett-Packard and Crospon have develepoed a new technology in a patch that can effectively do micro-injections to deliver drugs. They don't mention MS specifically, but it would be great if they could replace daily injections with a patch like this. Pictures here.

How does a stem cell become a treatment?

Stem cells hold much promise for being able to treat degenerative diseases like MS. We post about advances in stem cell research on MSNews all the time. But we also caution that treatments may be quite a ways away. This article covers some of the issues involved in going from stem cells to treatments.

Blood drainage from brain impaired in MS

Abnormal blood flow into brain tissue (perfusion) has been previously documented in MS — both higher and lower blood flow into different tissue types have been reported. A new study now shows that blood drainage away from brain tissue is also abnormal in MS (see abstract or
full-text). This study used ultrasound to analyze blood flow through the deep middle cerebral veins and the transverse sinus in 89 people with MS and 60 normal controls. The technique assessed whether blood flowed out only, or both out and in, and how long any inward flow lasted. Only 20% of controls had any inward flow (this was through the transverse sinus only) compared with 65-81% of MS subjects. Furthermore, only 7% of the controls had "reflux" (inward flow lasting > 0.5 second) vs. 38-51% of the MS group.

Blood flow that is turbulent vs. smooth and single-direction can cause an inflammatory reaction in the blood vessel by upregulating adhesion molecules that facilitate the migration of T cells and other cells into the tissue. The authors suggest therefore that the source of this impaired blood flow be examined — does it start in the brain or is there also reduced blood flow downstream? If reduced flow is found only in the brain, it may be an effect of MS inflammation and neurodegeneration. However, if a reduction in blood flow downstream is in turn causing reflux in the brain, this downstream "back-up" may be a trigger for brain inflammation. The authors also suggest performing this study in subjects with other neurological disease to see whether or not these results are specific to MS.

Drug Companies and the Docs Who Speak for Them

This article is a bit long, and about depression rather than MS, but the topic is very relevant.

Here's an insider's view of what speaking as an MD for a pharma company is like and why it might unduly influence the doctor. This happens for most drugs, including the MS drugs, and it is probably worth reading it so you know what you are up against when you go to see these presentations.

 

Even though we are a advanced civilization, millions of people throughout the world are susceptible to incapacitation because of a wide range of medical, environmental, and food borne ailments, which if left untreated, could lead to serious bodily injury, or even worse, death. Fortunately, these individuals have the option of carrying a card, wearing a tag, bracelet, or necklace which speaks for them when they are unable to speak for themselves.

A medical alert tag not only lists the ailment, but it can also list your 24 hour emergency response number, which has all of your medical history in their databases. When medical staff has access to this information, it can save precious time. Some of the more common declarations you might find on medical alert tags:

ADD/ADHD
Alzheimer's, Dementia, or Memory impairment
Allergies (Food, Insect, Dust, Plants, Pollen, Pollution, Pet Dander)
Anemia
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Asthma
Autism
Bariatric surgery patients
Blood type or disorders
Blood thinners/anticoagulants (Coumadin/Warfarin)/including aspirin
Breathing disorders
Cerebral Palsy
Clinical trial patients
COPD
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
Dialysis patient
Drug/Medicine allergies
Emphysema
Epilepsy/Seizures
Hearing, Visual, or Mental impairment
Heart disease (angina, atrial fibrillation, pacemakers)
Hypertension
Insect allergies
Kidney failure
Mental health patients
Multiple medications
Multiple Sclerosis
Pacemaker
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple medications
Rare diseases
Special needs children
Stroke risk
Transplant or cancer patients
Tourette Syndrome

What's really neat is that those who suffer from any of these or other ailments (particularly children), no longer have to wear a boring or awkward piece of jewelry which attracts negative attention, or promotes teasing or taunting by other children. Bands can be made with a variety of colors, character beads, crystals etc. to personalize it. The bands are made with 2 clasps, making it easy to change to match any outfit. Medical alert jewelry can now be worn with pride.

This article was authored by Patrina Roberts, President of Bellisimo Bracelets, LLC To contact Patrina, please feel free to email her at: patrina@bellisimobracelets.com.

http://www.bellisimobracelets.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrina_Roberts

When I look to the future, I honestly hope that I never have trouble getting around. This would be such a complete bummer. I can't imagine being one of those people who requires a walker to move slowly through the shopping mall or across the street. It gives me the willies just thinking about it. On the other hand, carrying custom canes and walking sticks for mere fun is a completely different story. The key is that you don't NEED it. It's all casual and relaxed if there are no health/mobility issues to grapple with. The truth of the matter is you can benefit from carrying the right cane. These have been around forever.

What about self-defense? Many people most likely don't ponder this option, but some individuals carry canes and walking sticks for self-defense. My father has been one of these select few since the day I was born. As far back as I can recall, my father has been collecting canes and walking sticks. But, not just any old wooden canes. Sure some of them are simple and carved from fine wood, but others are a bit more contemporary, and certainly geared more toward protection. One of the more recent canes my father has been toting around is from a company called Cold Steel. It's constructed of a sturdy fiberglass and steel. Inside it a dangerous sword is hidden. You simply thumb a handy release button and draw the sword to defend yourself or family. Needless to say, these are no joke. In fact, many states regard them as ILLEGAL. Sadly my father pays no attention to the state laws, other than the one he lives in. A sword in particular is very effective if you've been properly trained. Not only can it disable your attacker, but it puts a good distance between the two of you. This is crucial if he is wielding a knife.

A variety of canes and walking sticks can be found all over the world. One of the most bizarre ones I've encountered yet is a piece that my father purchased in Texas. It appears to be a normal cane, but it's also a 22 caliber rifle. How bizarre is that? Don't mess with the man or woman carrying a cane. You never know what you're up against. For those who prefer the bling-bling side of things, indulge in the infinite canes and walking sticks that sell for a pretty penny.