MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast Nele Handwerker

Discover how speech therapists can address often overlooked MS-related swallowing and communication disorders for timely intervention.
You can find the written version to read on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/67-speech-therapy


Swallowing and speech disorders usually play a subordinate role in the perception of patients. However, problems with swallowing occur in up to 40% and with speech in around 75% of all MS patients during the course of the disease. This episode is about how you can recognize that there is a problem and, above all, what you can do about it. After all, eating and drinking as well as socializing with other people are among the absolute basic needs. A speech therapist can help you to learn how to swallow or speak again. You can find out more in the article.





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When do swallowing and speech disorders occur?
How do swallowing and speech disorders manifest themselves in multiple sclerosis?
What triggers lead to swallowing and speech disorders?
What tests are carried out to make the diagnosis?
Effects of MS-related swallowing and speech disorders
What can you do yourself to treat swallowing and speech disorders?
How can speech therapy help you with MS-related swallowing and speech disorders?
Is there medication for swallowing and speech disorders in multiple sclerosis?
What other options are available?
What is the best prevention against swallowing and speech disorders in MS?
Food for thought
Question for you
Food for thought

If you occasionally have slight problems with swallowing or speaking that you didn’t have before, then simply get it checked by a specialist, be it your neurologist or a speech therapist. It is almost always the case that early intervention leads to a better prognosis.


Question for you

Have you ever had problems with swallowing or speaking? And was there possibly a connection to multiple sclerosis?


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Maybe you are interested in the other articles about MS symptoms:
Finding Joy Again. Navigating MS-Related Sexual Dysfunction Overcoming MS Sleep Challenges for Restful Nights and Brighter Days. Depression and MS. How to find your way back to emotional balance Living Fully with MS. Managing Bladder and Bowel Disorders MS Symptom Pain. How to regain your quality of life Spasticity in MS – far more than normal muscle cramps Movement restrictions in MS – how to maintain your strength, balance and mobility in the best possible way Clearing the Fog – Understanding Vision Problems in Multiple Sclerosis Cognitive disorders in MS – when the mind goes on strike See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.
Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Dr. Sara Samadzadeh contributes to research in the field of NMOSD and MS by creating networks between young researchers worldwide.
You can find all questions and answers as well as all links on the blog article: https://ms-perspektive.com/066-sara-samadzadeh


Multiple sclerosis and NMOSD have made tremendous advances in treatment due to research conducted over the past decades. Nevertheless, there is still much to be done. It is therefore all the more important that this area of neurology continues to attract young, committed and motivated scientists who contribute their own ideas and network with each other. Dr. Sara Samadzadeh is one of these young scientists. As President of the European Charcot Foundation Young Investigators, she promotes initiatives such as women in research and faster diagnosis in Iran, her home country. She is also an ambassador for the Sumaira Foundation, which campaigns for NMO and MOGAD patients. Find out more in the interview.


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Introduction – Who is Dr. Sara Samadzadeh?
European Charcot Foundation Young Investigators
Sumaira Foundation Ambassador
Quickfire Q&A Session
Farewell



Introduction – Who is Dr. Sara Samadzadeh?

Hi, thank you so much for having me today, and congratulations on your wonderfully friendly, informative, and unique podcast. My name is Sara, and I am a medical doctor and I have clinical neurology training in my background. I have started on a PhD/Postdoc pathway in neuroimmunology and neuro-ophthalmology at Southern Denmark University, in collaboration with Charité University Hospital and Research Center. I am originally from Tehran, the capital city of Iran, I am currently residing in the beautiful city of Berlin. I moved to Germany about 6-7 years ago, initially settling in Southern Germany. I had the privilege of working at Düsseldorf University Hospital under the guidance of Prof. Peter Hartung and Prof. Meuth in the MS field, and then with Prof. Friedemann Paul.
I have a passion for learning languages and enjoy networking with different cultures. My travels and life experiences span over 40 countries, including living in several of them for extended periods. Aside from my professional pursuits, I love engaging in sports, particularly jogging and running in nature. My favorite spot at the moment is the Tiergarten in Berlin.



Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with the listeners?

To everyone living with MS and NMO spectrum diseases, please hold onto hope. Every day, we are witnessing and contributing to new breakthroughs in the scientific understanding and treatment of these complex conditions. Through dedicated research, we are constantly uncovering more about the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and developing innovative treatments that promise better outcomes.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. There is a vibrant global community of researchers, clinicians, healthcare providers, and fellow patients all united in their commitment to fight these diseases. Together, we are working tirelessly to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medical science and patient care.
As we look to the future, let us remain optimistic and proactive. Continued advancements are on the horizon, driven by our collective efforts and the shared goal of significantly improving the lives of all of you. Your strength, courage, and stories inspire us every day, and they reinforce the importance of our work.
Together, we will continue to make strides toward more effective treatments and, ultimately, cures for these conditions.
Empower, Engage, Overcome: Together for a Strong

Glatiramer Acetate, brand names Copaxone and Brabio, belongs to the oldest immunotherapies for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
You can find the written version of this episode on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/065-glatiramer-acetate


This time I am presenting glatiramer acetate, which is known as Copaxone, Brabio or other tradenames and is one of the approved disease-modifying drugs for relapsing forms of MS. It was one of the first drugs to be approved as a preventive therapy for MS patients and was an accidental discovery. Originally intended to induce MS in mice for research purposes, it was suddenly discovered to have a protective effect.
Like the fumarates already presented, it has a more broad-based mechanism of action. I will try to give a good overview below without going into absolute depth. And as always, please seek specific advice from MS specialists who know your individual situation, wishes, fears and overall state of health.


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General Information
How is glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio) classified in immunotherapies?
What is glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio) approved for?
What is the situation for special patient groups?
Who should avoid glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio)?
How does glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio) work?
How is it taken?
How effective is glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio)?
Risks and side effects of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio)
Vaccinations
Sources
Final note
Sources

I used the following sources to create the content:
Lecture on glatiramer acetate (Copaxone and generics) by Prof. Tjalf Ziemssen as part of the Multiple Sclerosis Management master program Quality manual of the KKNMS on glatiramer acetate MS-Selfie Infocards by Prof. Dr. Gavin Giovannoni  German Multiple Sclerosis and Fertility Registry (DMSKW)  Information from the German interview with Prof. Dr. Barbara Kornek on pediatric MS 

Final note

Please remember, there is no one great medication that helps everyone, but it must always be weighed up what suits a particular person best. Other illnesses, personal goals and preferences must also be taken into account. Your neurologist and MS nurse are the right persons to talk to and can make individual recommendations. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation. What helps one person may not help another.
I hope that, together with your neurologist and MS nurse, you will quickly find the right immunotherapy for you. And that you can lead a fulfilled, happy and self-determined life with MS, supported by a healthy lifestyle and a dose of fortune.


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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.
Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Dr. Meral Seferoglu gives an insight into the treatment of MS in Turkey and how she uses her expertise to support patients.
You can read all questions and answers on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/64-meral-seferoglu


This time I have Dr. Meral Seferoglu as an interview guest on the show and we talk about MS treatment in Turkey.
It’s always interesting to hear about other countries and how they deal with this chronic disease. I am really impressed by the number of rehabilitation days per year that a person with MS can access in Turkey. Rehab is so important to overcome the challenges of multiple sclerosis and live the best life possible. Learn more and enjoy the interview with Dr. Meral Seferoglu from Bursa, Turkey.


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Introduction – Who is Associate Professor Dr. Meral Seferoglu?
Prevalence and Awareness of MS in Turkey
Quality of Life for MS Patients in Turkey
Access to Treatment and Support Services
Social Support and Coping Mechanisms
Multiple Sclerosis Management Master program
Quickfire Q&A Session
Farewell



Introduction – Who is Associate Professor Dr. Meral Seferoglu?

Hi thank you for your invitation. I always like to listen podcast on spotify during my way to work. While I saw your LinkedIn profile also start to listen your podcast series. Congratulations for this podcast series. I think it touches many lives far from Germany. It is my pleasure to be here. I am a neurologist focusing on demiyelinating disorders. Married and have two children and a cat. I like reading books, walking, swimming and painting.



Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with the listeners?

„Dear MS patients, I wish for you to spend each day with hope and strength. MS may present challenges but remember that your resilience and determination are greater. Together, in solidarity, we can overcome every difficulty. Look to the future with hope, because science and support are advancing every day. You are strong, you are valuable”


How and where can interested people follow your research activities?

I have an Instagram and linked-in account on my name, also with our MS hospital team we have an Instagram page for MS patients: MSYolculugum


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Thank you for all your efforts for MS patients and for giving us an insight into the treatment of multiple sclerosis in Turkey.
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.
Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Sexual dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis. However, there are many ways to overcome them and enjoy intimacy again.
You can find the written version of the episode on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/63-sexual-dysfunction


Sex can be one of the best things in life and sexual dysfunction can therefore cause a lot of frustration. In this article, you will learn about the background and manifestations, what you can do about it and what role your personal attitude towards the topic plays.
First of all, when it comes to sexual disorders – talking is key. And of course, it’s not just MS patients who have difficulties with this, but the majority of people. Which is a shame, because fears, desires, feelings and fantasies should not be taboo. And open communication can expand the playing field of possibilities and pleasures immensely.
If a woman tells her husband that she no longer has the energy for sex in the evenings due to fatigue, there may be times at the weekend or in the morning when it is possible and it is no longer the supposed lack of interest that is unspoken, but a concrete problem for which solutions can be found together.
The same applies to men with MS who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Once it is clear that both sides want to continue having affection and that the only thing standing in the way is the fear of not being able to function, possible solutions immediately appear on the scene, from oral sex and mutual masturbation to sex toys. So much is possible and everything can be solved if you talk about it.





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How often do sexual disorders occur?
What types of sexual disorders exist?
Which doctors can help you?
What can you do yourself if you have sexual disorders?
Why time and tenderness are so important.
What medication and aids are available to treat sexual disorders?
What is the best prevention against sexual disorders?
Food for thought
Question for you






A preliminary note

I’m always referring to couples in the classic sense here. But of course there are also other constellations for having sex. And my formulations are in no way judgmental. The same applies to gender. Diversity and equality are wonderful and all genders are always explicitly meant, even if not formulated.








Question for you

Do you talk openly with your partner about your fears, wishes, worries and what you like? Or do you find this difficult? And if you find it difficult, how could you change it and what would be a first step in this direction?


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Thank you for listening. I hope it wasn’t unpleasant for you. Because I think it’s important to talk clearly about love and lust so that your quality of life remains high, and for most people intimacy is part of that. And if I had used a lot of paraphrases, my message would have been difficult to understand. So be aware that there is a solution for pretty much everything as long as you talk about it.
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.
Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Tecfidera and Vumerity, the fumarates kick-off the informative series about immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis.
You can find the full article to read on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/62-fumarates


Tecfidera and Vumerity, the fumarates, kick off the series on the approved disease-modifying therapies for MS. I am trying to give a good overview, but it does not claim to be complete information. The order is simple. It starts with a rather broad mechanism of action, which works for a good proportion of those affected, through to the increasingly specific mechanisms of action, which work for the majority of all MS patients. Detailed advice can only be given by MS specialists and cannot be provided by me.


"},"minimize_box":"yes","minimized_on":"tablet","hierarchical_view":"yes","min_height":{"unit":"px","size":"","sizes":[]},"min_height_tablet":{"unit":"px","size":"","sizes":[]},"min_height_mobile":{"unit":"px","size":"","sizes":[]}}" data-widget_type="table-of-contents.default"> Table of Contents
General Information
How are dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) classified in immunotherapies?
What are dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) approved for?
What is the situation for special patient groups?
Who should avoid dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera and generics) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity)?
How do dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera and generics) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) work?
How is it taken?
How effective are dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera and generics) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity)?
Risks and side effects of dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera and generics) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity)
What is different about diroximel fumarate (Vumerity)?
Vaccinations
Sources
Final note
Sources

I used the following sources to create the content:
Lecture on dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera and generics) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) by Prof. Mathias Mäurer as part of the Multiple Sclerosis Management master program Quality manual of the KKNMS on dimethyl fumarate  MS-Selfie Infocards by Prof. Dr. Gavin Giovannoni  German Multiple Sclerosis and Fertility Registry (DMSKW)  Information from the German interview with Prof. Dr. Barbara Kornek on pediatric MS 

Final note

Please remember, there is no one great medication that helps everyone, but it must always be weighed up what suits a particular person best. Other illnesses, personal goals and preferences must also be taken into account. Your neurologist and MS nurse are the right persons to talk to and can make individual recommendations. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation. What helps one person may not help another.
I hope that, together with your neurologist and MS nurse, you will quickly find the right immunotherapy for you. And that you can lead a fulfilled, happy and self-determined life with MS, supported by a healthy lifestyle and a dose of fortune.


---


See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.
Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.