MS Podcasts MS Plus

Vitamin D has a complex relationship with MS, with links to increased risk of diagnosis, influencing gene expression in immune cells and generally being lower in people living with MS. In this episode, Dr Wei, neurologist and researcher, discusses how much vitamin D people need, how to get it, and the role of supplementation in children of parents with MS.

In this episode of the MS Boost, we talk to Nicola Palfrey, clinical psychologist, about the parenting challenge of talking to teenagers about chronic illness. Nicola shares her expert insights into approaching these difficult conversations sensitively. We also explore the important topic of knowing the signs that your teen may need some mental health support and how to navigate access.

In this episode we chat with neurologist Dr Cassie Nesbitt, one of the principal investigators for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Cassie explains the process of HSCT, risks and considerations for accessing HSCT overseas, as well as the current research on who is likely to benefit and how this is accessed in Australia.

In this episode, we talk to Olivia Wills, a brain health researcher who has been working towards a holistic model of brain health in MS. Olivia outlines why brain health can be seen as a tangible concept that people can control by ensuring regular physical activity, quitting smoking, managing comorbidities, following a balanced diet, and catering to their mental health. Olivia discusses how external factors such as financial security can be a challenge for people in adopting healthy behaviors and that it's never too late for anyone to adopt healthier behaviors and livelihoods.

Linda Rowley, mental health consultant, delves into the complexities of mental health for carers, focusing on the overlooked experience of ambiguous loss. Linda discusses the importance of acknowledging these emotions, how to find meaning and hope, as well as the need for compassion and self-care for carers.

In this episode of the MS Boost, we speak with Rachel Horne, a UK journalist and MS advocate about the phenomena of ‘medical gaslighting’, which is when health care professionals downplay, dismiss, minimize or ignore patient symptoms or blame their concerns on psychological factors rather than having a physical cause. Rachel discusses her own journey with MS and her personal struggle for proper treatment, as well as her own experience with medical gaslighting. Rachel provides tips for self-advocacy and the potential signs of medical gaslighting. We also cover the challenges of diagnosing and treating MS, the systemic issue of gender bias in healthcare, and potential ways forward.