RealTalk MS Jon Strum

There are more than 20 disease-modifying therapies available to treat MS today. Some are considered high-efficacy, some are considered moderately effective, and each has its own risk profile and side effects to consider. So, how do you choose?
How much homework should someone living with MS do? Where should you look for reliable information? And what if you and your neurologist don't necessarily agree?

Joining me to talk about your role when it comes to choosing the right DMT through shared decision-making with your neurologist is Dr. Barbara Giesser. Dr. Giesser is an internationally recognized clinician and award-winning educator who has specialized in the care of people with multiple sclerosis since 1982, a full decade before there was even a single disease-modifying therapy available to treat MS.
Dunk MS takes place This Saturday, May 18th on the UCLA campus, at iconic Pauley Pavilion. And if you're in or around Southern California, you won't want to miss this unique event. We're sharing all the details, so don't miss my conversation with Dunk MS founder, Blake Arnet.
Since we're talking about shared decision-making this week, we're sharing details of a study that asked the question, "How much do people living with MS know about MS?"
And if you've found yourself worried about smoldering MS, you'll be pleased to learn that a recent study showed that sophisticated PET imaging is able to identify this hidden, persistent inflammation in MS.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

350 Episodes!  :22
This Week: Finding the right DMT through shared decision-making  1:04
Dunk MS is just days away!  My conversation with Blake Arnet  2:31
How much do people living with MS know about MS?  10:57
PET imaging reveals persistent hidden inflammation in MS  15:37
Dr. Barbara Giesser discusses choosing the right disease-modifying therapy through shared decision-making with your neurologist  20:04
Share this episode  33:13
Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  33:33

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/350
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com
Get Your Tickets for Dunk MS
https://dunkms.com

STUDY: A Systematic Review to Explore Patients' MS Knowledge and MS Risk Knowledge
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10072-024-07541-5

STUDY: Glial Activity Load on PET Reveals Persistent "Smoldering" Inflammation in MS Despite Disease-Modifying Treatment
https://journals.lww.com/nuclearmed/fulltext/2024/06000/glial_activity_load_on_pet_reveals_persistent.1.aspx

Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200
Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Devices
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk
Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 350
Guests: Blake Arnet and Dr. Barbara Giesser
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As we age, our bodies undergo biological changes. Our immune system changes. Our brain changes with age. Our cognitive abilities change, as do our physical abilities. These changes impact everyone. But these biological processes may impact people with MS differently. And MS may impact these biological processes differently.
Just a couple of weeks ago, the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS brought together 100 top experts for a 3-day workshop dedicated to exploring how these many and varied changes can impact MS care.

In Part 2 of our coverage, we're taking you back inside this workshop, where you'll hear from some of the top MS researchers and clinicians who participated in this important meeting.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: We continue our coverage of the Aging and MS Workshop  :22
Dr. Sarah Morrow and Dr. Yinan Zhang discuss survey results which showed what neurologists and other members of the MS care team see as "gaps" in delivering treatment to patients as they age with MS   1:45
Dr. Giuseppe Portillo describes how artificial intelligence can be used to analyze "brain gap" and predict future MS disease progression  13:03
Dr. John Corboy shares results from two studies that focused on discontinuation of disease-modifying therapy for patients over the age of 60  20:31
Kathy Smith talks about the importance of including older people living with MS in clinical research  31:00
Share this episode  42:43
Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  43:03

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/349
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com
RealTalk MS Episode 348: From the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in Multiple Sclerosis Aging and MS Workshop (Part 1)
http://www.realtalkms.com/348
Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200
Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Devices
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk
Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 349
Guests: Dr. Sarah Morrow, Dr. Yinan Zhang, Dr. Giuseppe Portillo, Dr. John Corboy, and Kathy Smith
Privacy Policy

As people age, their immune systems change. Their level of physical and cognitive reserve changes. They often develop additional health issues. They frequently experience changes in their mobility. And these are people who aren't living with MS.
When you combine the health issues related to aging with the health issues that are related to MS, you end up with a sum that is exponentially larger than its parts. And when you consider that there are more people living with MS who are over the age of 65 than there are people living with MS under the age of 45, it's not surprising that the subject of aging with MS has become an area of increasing interest among researchers, clinicians, and people affected by MS.

That's why, last week, the International Advisory Committee for Clinical Trials in Multiple Sclerosis invited a select group of 100 MS researchers and clinical specialists from around the world to participate in a three-day deep dive exploring aging and MS.
In Part 1 of our coverage, we're taking you inside this meeting, where you'll hear from some of the expert presenters who were in attendance.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: From the Aging & MS Workshop  :22
Dr. Tim Coetzee shares some of the issues the meeting presenters and attendees will be focusing on  1:35
Dr. Jennifer Graves discusses the difference between chronological aging and biological aging, and how that difference impacts MS  9:29
Dr. Wallace Brownless talks about some of the challenges related to diagnosing and treating late-onset MS  14:33
Dr. Amit Bar-Or explains how the immune system changes over time, and how those changes can affect living with MS  21:36
Share this episode  28:04
Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  28:24

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/348
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com
Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200
Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Devices
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk
Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 348
Guests: Dr. Tim Coetzee, Dr. Jennifer Graves, Dr. Wallace Brownlee, Dr. Amit Bar-Or
Privacy Policy

 

Lower levels of Vitamin D have been associated with a higher risk of developing MS and an increase in MS disease activity. And, for years, scientists have worked to better understand the relationship between Vitamin D and MS.
Joining me to talk about the role that Vitamin D plays in MS is Dr. Ellen Mowry. Dr. Mowry is a Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology, and the Co-Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Precision Medicine Center of Excellence at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Mowry is also one of the leading experts on Vitamin D and MS in the world.

The National MS Society's virtual MS Activist Rally is happening in just two days, on April 25th! We're sharing registration details. 
We'll tell you about a scientific breakthrough that has identified a specific autoantibody signature that can accurately predict MS years before someone experiences any MS symptoms.
We're sharing details of a clinical trial that focused on the efficacy of Ocrevus in treating Black and Hispanic people living with MS. We'll also share the details of this trial's novel design that can serve as a blueprint for successfully engaging members of minority communities in future clinical research.
We'll explain one reason why we aren't hearing as much news about the benefits of using cannabis to treat MS symptoms, and why cannabis use may actually be creating a new set of problems for people living with MS.
And we're sharing study results that show that an artificial intelligence program may have a better bedside manner than your neurologist.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

Don't miss it! The MS Activist Rally is happening on 4/25!  :22
This Week: The relationship between Vitamin D and MS  2:50
Autoantibody signature predicts MS years before symtoms develop  3:45
Clinical trial results show that Black and Hispanic people with MS respond well to Ocrevus  7:58
Is cannabis working for people with MS?  11:13
Study results show that ChatGPT answers questions about MS with more empathy than neurologists  14:28
Dr. Ellen Mowry updates us on what the latest research is revealing about Vitamin D and MS  18:31
Share this episode  32:06
Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  32:26

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/347
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com
REGISTER for the MS Activist Rally
https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ame2jWSuHmriG94cyQmlWHr45mgnzxkDv8oMZRGsrS3ZxiSj5rro~Anqb3dHg3ewiz4KNHn2Ena4bgli_WXlza_zcygZN3GinnleB6rO15OCzGQ

STUDY: An Autoantibody Signature Predictive of Multiple Sclerosis
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-02938-3

RealTalk MS Episode 346: Why Members of Minority Communities May Face a More Severe MS Disease Course with Dr. Annette Langer-Gould
https://realtalkms.com/346

STUDY: ChatGPT vs Neurologists: A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Preference, Satisfaction Ratings, and Perceived Empathy in Responses Among People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-024-12328-x
Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200
Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Devices
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv

In past episodes of this podcast, we've discussed disparities in healthcare. We've looked at evidence that shows members of historically underserved communities who are living with MS can face a more severe disease course. We've looked at studies that have shown some members of these racial and ethnic minority groups don't do as well on disease-modifying therapies, and their MS progresses more quickly.
It's often been speculated that the reason behind these disparities is based on genetics -- that members of minority communities who are living with MS are genetically predisposed to experiencing a more severe disease course. 

My guest in this episode is Dr. Annette Langer-Gould, and Dr. Langer-Gould comes armed with evidence that points to a completely different set of answers for the cause of racial and ethnic disparities in MS disease severity and progression.
We're also sharing registration details for the National MS Society's MS Activist Rally on April 25th!
We'll tell you about an inverse vaccine that prevents the mouse model of MS (and we'll explain what an inverse vaccine is!)
You'll find out where you can find the just-released video progress report from the International Progressive MS Alliance.
We'll explain just-published results from an analysis that shows why anti-diabetic and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Jardiance, and Trulicity may be repurposed as MS therapies.
And we're sharing study results with both good news and not so great news when it comes to being diagnosed and treated for MS in a timely manner.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: We're exploring the reason that members of underserved minority populations who are living with MS often experience a more severe disease course  :22
The MS Activist Rally is happening on 4/25!  1:28
An inverse vaccine prevents the mouse model of MS  3:49
The International Progressive MS Alliance has released their 2024 progress report  6:13
Can weight-loss drugs be repurposed as MS therapies?  7:33
A study shows that getting diagnosed and treated for MS is dependent upon your country's healthcare system  10:26
Dr. Annette Langer-Gould has a sobering answer as to why some members of minority communities who are living with MS experience a more severe disease course  14:48
Share this episode  31:31
Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  31:51

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/346
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com
REGISTER for the MS Activist Rally
https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ame2jWSuHmriG94cyQmlWHr45mgnzxkDv8oMZRGsrS3ZxiSj5rro~Anqb3dHg3ewiz4KNHn2Ena4bgli_WXlza_zcygZN3GinnleB6rO15OCzGQ

VIDEO: International Progressive MS Alliance 2024 Progress Report
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ojRaLp_J1w

STUDY: Exploring the Association Between Weight Loss-Inducing Medications and Multiple Sclerosis: Insights from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17562864241241383

STUDY: Disease-Modifying Therapy Initiation Patterns in Multiple Sclerosis in Three Large Populations
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17562864241233044
Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices
https://itunes.a

MS affects women almost 3 times more frequently than it affects men, which makes understanding how MS may impact other women's health issues a priority.
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl and Dr. Anna Shah join me as we take a deep dive into both the research and clinical side of how MS affects women's health and how those other health issues may affect MS.

Dr. Shah is an Associate Professor of Neurology and Associate Clinic Director of Outpatient Neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Dr. Voskuhl is the Director of the UCLA Multiple Sclerosis Program, she holds the Jack H. Skirball Chair in MS, she's a Professor in the UCLA Department of Neurology, and Dr. Voskuhl also serves as Faculty Neurologist of the UCLA Comprehensive Menopause Care Program.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: We're taking a deep dive into women's health and MS  :22
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl named the recipient of the 2024 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research  :52
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl discusses her research looking at why MS affects men and women differently   2:32
Dr. Anna Shah discusses how MS can affect women's health issues and how those health issues can affect MS  13:21
Share this episode  32:40
Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  33:00

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/345
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com
Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200
Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Devices
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk
Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 345
Guests: Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl and Dr. Anna Shah
Privacy Policy