39 episodes

Barry Singer, MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, interviews global expert guests about the latest treatments, innovations and tips for people living with multiple sclerosis.

MS Living Well: Key Info from Multiple Sclerosis Experts Barry Singer, MD

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.9 • 102 Ratings

Barry Singer, MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, interviews global expert guests about the latest treatments, innovations and tips for people living with multiple sclerosis.

    Hormones and Multiple Sclerosis

    Hormones and Multiple Sclerosis

    Sex hormones, such as estrogens and testosterone, affect each individual's journey living with multiple sclerosis. While both genders face equal MS risk before puberty and after menopause, women experience up to three times higher risk during their reproductive years. Pregnancy generally brings less relapses, potentially attributed to high estriol levels. However, navigating treatment decisions well while trying to conceive and after delivery requires finesse and expertise. Equip yourself with the latest women's health info regarding MS, covering topics from birth control and fertility treatments to menopause and osteoporosis.
    Testosterone has important anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits in multiple sclerosis.  Nevertheless, men are at higher risk for disability progression then women. Declining testosterone levels over time (called andropause) and Y chromosome genes may tilt the scales towards disability. Listen to current testosterone research including potential remyelination benefits.
    Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews:
    Maria Houtchens MD, founding director of the Women’s Health Program at the Brigham MS Center and Associate Professor of Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA
    Jorge Correale MD, Head of Neuroimmunology and Demyelinating Diseases at the Dr. Raúl Carrea Institute of Neurological Research in Buenos Aires, Argentina
     

    • 38 min
    Revolutionizing Multiple Sclerosis Care: B-Cell Therapy

    Revolutionizing Multiple Sclerosis Care: B-Cell Therapy

    In a paradigm-shifting discovery, researchers uncovered that B cells, not T cells, wield significant influence on orchestrating neurological damage in MS. Join UCSF Professor Dr. Stephen Hauser as he shares the remarkable odyssey from hurdles to triumphs of developing B cell monoclonal antibody treatment for multiple sclerosis.  Disease impact, safety concerns and personalization of MS treatment of these medications including Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), Kesimpta (ofatumumab) and Briumvi (ublituximab) are highlighted. 
    Brain-penetrant BTK inhibitor therapies that may offer more direct targeting of B cells within the central nervous system, potentially unlocking new possibilities in treating progressive forms of MS. Professor Heinz Wiendl explores the connection between Epstein-Barr virus infection of B cells and the initiation and progression of MS including trials investigating strategies to target EBV-infected B cells. Pioneering approaches like CAR-T therapy and brain shuttle techniques provide optimism for the next generation of MS treatment.
    Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews: 
    Stephen Hauser MD, Professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Director of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences
    Heinz Wiendl MD, Professor of Neurology and Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital of Muenster in Germany

    • 39 min
    Recipe for Resilience: The Blind Cook and NMOSD

    Recipe for Resilience: The Blind Cook and NMOSD

    Christine Ha, an award-winning blind chef and restauranteur, shares her experience grappling with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Facing relapses with the inability to walk and feed herself that challenged her independence, she leaned on the support from family and friends. As she lost her sight due to optic neuritis in both eyes, Ms. Ha had to embark on a journey of rediscovery in the kitchen, starting with the fundamentals. Winning MasterChef Season 3 marked a turning point, propelling her culinary career forward despite the obstacles posed by her disability. 
    NMOSD is an autoimmune disease in which an antibody attacks water channels on astrocyte cells in the optic nerves, spinal cord and sometimes the brain. Attacks or relapses can be devastating and incomplete recovery from attacks is typical. Like Ms. Ha, some people living with the condition can be misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A blood test for the aquaporin-4 antibody is key to getting diagnosed correctly early. Since 2019, highly effective treatment options have been FDA-approved that reduce relapses by 77-94%.
    Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews:
    Christine Ha, "The Blind Cook".  Her first cookbook, Recipes from My Home Kitchen, was a New York Times best-seller. Ms. Ha’s first restaurant in Houston, The Blind Goat, was named a semi-finalist for 2020 Best New Restaurant in America by the James Beard Foundation. She was also named a James Beard finalist for Best Chef in Texas in 2022.
    Michael Levy MD PhD, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Neuroimmunology Clinic and Research Laboratory
     
     

    • 38 min
    Making Strides: Enhancing MS Mobility

    Making Strides: Enhancing MS Mobility

    Wherever you are on your multiple sclerosis journey, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of mobility. Our experts, both holding doctorates in physical therapy, offer invaluable guidance on enhancing your walking abilities through targeted exercise and specialized therapy. Learn how to reduce the risk of falls, alleviate spasticity, and build endurance for a more active life.
    Cutting-edge technology, from wearable electrical stimulation devices to incredible exoskeletons, are revolutionizing mobility for those living with MS. Discover how neuromodulation, in conjunction with physical therapy, can pave the way for new neural pathways. Virtual reality and anti-gravity treadmills are redefining therapy options for those people with advanced MS. Moreover, gain insights into conquering travel challenges, empowering individuals living with multiple sclerosis to venture out into the world.
    Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Innovations in Care, interviews Gretchen Hawley DPT, The MSing Link and Annie Morrow DPT, Director of the Stephen A. Orthwein Center.

    • 37 min
    MS Care Equity: Empowering Underserved Communities

    MS Care Equity: Empowering Underserved Communities

    Health equity represents the pursuit of the highest level of well-being for all individuals, ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, enjoys a fair and just opportunity to achieve their optimal health.
    Disparities exist within the multiple sclerosis community. It's a stark reality that Black individuals with MS face an increased risk of disability, while Black women are disproportionately affected by this condition compared to their White counterparts based on a Kaiser study.  Additionally, Hispanic patients often contend with an earlier onset of MS, occurring 3-5 years before it typically manifests in White individuals. Both social determinants of health and genetic factors play significant roles in shaping outcomes for these communities. Strategies to enhance MS care in underserved communities include increasing the availability of healthcare providers, providing crucial translation services, and addressing biases both within the healthcare team and the communities they serve.
    Rural MS patients experience unique challenges, often encountering barriers in accessing specialized care.  Connecting lower-income patients to vital resources, including medications and MRI scans, is essential. Innovative approaches like telehealth and improved transportation options can bridge the gap for those with higher levels of disability. As an MS community, we can all advocate to ensure that everyone regardless of their circumstances receives the comprehensive care that they deserve.
    Barrry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews:
    Lilyana Amezcua MD, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Southern California. She spearheaded the collaborative research consortium Alliance for Research in Hispanic MS (ARHMS) and serves as principal investigator. Dr. Amezcua serves on numerous national and international committees including as an elected member to the NMSS National Medical Advisory Committee and NIH NINDS Health Disparities Strategic Steering Committee.
    Jacqueline Rosenthal MD, MS neurologist at the Shepherd Center's Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute in Atlanta. Dr. Rosenthal completed her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, neurology residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma and neuroimmunology fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine.

    • 35 min
    Bridging MS: Connecting You to Resources

    Bridging MS: Connecting You to Resources

    Navigating life with multiple sclerosis? Gain valuable insights from MS insiders! Stanford nurse practitioner Jong-Mi Lee reveals strategies for accessing MS centers and maximizing available resources. Acquire valuable tips on various topics including overcoming mobility challenges, managing workplace issues, and receiving quality care despite insurance obstacles.
    Many inspiring and resilient individuals living with MS actively share their perspectives on social media platforms within the MS community. Dominic Shadbolt, a renowned UK MS patient advocate and founder of The MS Guide, highlights his personal favorites and provides essential advice for sifting through the wealth of online information.
    Access reliable knowledge and support from global non-profit organizations. Dr. Jaime Imitola, esteemed MS neurologist and Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Connecticut, offers practical approaches to surmount financial barriers and attain crucial MS treatments.
    Podcast Host: Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, USA

    • 39 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
102 Ratings

102 Ratings

Crystal N.S. ,

So informative and helpful!

Dr. Singer is so knowledgeable and respectful of the guests he has on the show, who are very well chosen and extremely knowledgeable as well. I am really appreciating the information I'm leaving from this podcast!!

ADickson02 ,

Wonderful Information

I love the podcast!! Thank you, thank you thank you!! I’ve lived with MS for over 18 years. And am so grateful to have found this podcast in the past 6 months! So much good information and very thoughtful questions that make the information easier to grasp and relevant. Keep up the great work!

whduevsirogbsd ,

Amazing Resource for Info on MS

My wife was recently diagnosed with MS and this podcast has fantastic for all the information we are able to learn from it about MS. We have been listening to every episode from the beginning. It has helped answer so many of our questions about the disease. Dr Singers guests are always from the research hospitals and attended some of the most prestigious medical programs in the country and worldwide. This helps put our minds at easy knowing that the info is coming from trusted sources (at a time when we really need to have our minds out at ease). We highly recommend this podcast to anyone who is unfortunate enough to have to deal with MS in their family, just an amazing wealth of knowledge here

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media
ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE
The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
iHeartPodcasts
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
John R. Miles

You Might Also Like

Breaking it down - A multiple sclerosis podcast
MS Trust
Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis
Overcoming MS
The MSing Link
Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
RealTalk MS
Jon Strum
MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Wishbone Production
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins