MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast Nele Handwerker

Dr. Adriana Casallas V. provides insights into the treatment and care of MS patients in Colombia including improvements and challenges.
You can find all questions and answers to read through on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/71-adriana-casallas


MS has long been known as an orphan disease in Colombia, but the increasing number of newly diagnosed patients is changing this picture. Dr. Adriana Casallas Vanegas is an MS specialist who is committed to providing the best possible care for people with MS. She studies multiple sclerosis management at the European Charcot Foundation and is a Fellow of the organization. Patients living with NMOSD or MOGAD also benefit from her fascination with demyelinating diseases. In the interview, Adriana provides insights into the Colombian healthcare system and contact points where those affected can find support.


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Introduction – Who is Dr. Adriana Casallas Vanegas?
Prevalence and Awareness of MS in Colombia
Quality of Life for MS Patients in Colombia
Access to Treatment and Support Services
Social Support and Coping Mechanisms
Multiple Sclerosis Management Master program
Gender disparities in multiple sclerosis research and leadership
Quickfire Q&A Session
Farewell



Introduction – Who is Dr. Adriana Casallas Vanegas?

I am a neurologist specializing in demyelinating diseases. I spent some time studying in Spain and Mexico to prepare myself in the best way for patients. I am currently finishing my master’s degree in multiple sclerosis at the European Charcot Foundation, and soon I will go to Cemcat with the ECTRIMS scholarship. I am from Colombia and live an hour away from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. I have 2 dogs named Bubba and Tango. I enjoy spending time with them, walking in nature, biking, and playing tennis. I come from a loving family that is always surrounded by many animals. I have a cheerful personality and I am always eager to learn new things and explore different trades. I am also very curious about technology, music, and literature.



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

I want to express my deep gratitude to Colombian patients. Their invaluable contribution is pivotal for the advancement of treatments, knowledge, and strategies aimed at improving comprehensive management. Their unwavering strength and patience are fundamental to our progress. I want to emphasize that they are not alone, and together, we can achieve remarkable results. Lastly, I want to instill a message of hope; although the journey is long, we are committed to triumphing hand in hand.


How and where can interested people follow your research activities?

You can follow my Instagram dracasallasneurologia. Also, you can find research and MS activities at X platform  acv_adri.


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Many thanks to Adriana for all her commitment and efforts to improve the lives of people with MS in Colombia.
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.

Teriflunomide (Aubagio) is approved as disease-modifying therapy for mild to moderate RRMS from 10 years of age.
You can find the full article to read on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/70-teriflunomide


This time it’s about teriflunomide, which is known under the trade name Aubagio. The immunotherapy is used for mild to moderate courses of relapsing forms of MS.
Teriflunomide also has a broader mechanism of action and is one of the immunomodulating drugs. Please remember that I can only provide an overview here. Ask your neurologist and MS nurse for detailed advice on choosing the right therapy for you. They should know your complete state of health and be aware of your goals, wishes, fears and preferences.


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General Information
How is teriflunomide (Aubagio and generics) classified in immunotherapies?
What is teriflunomide (Aubagio) approved for?
What is the situation for special patient groups?
Who should avoid teriflunomide?
How does teriflunomide works?
How is it taken?
How effective is teriflunomide (Aubagio and generics)?
Risks and side effects of teriflunomide (Aubagio and generics)
Vaccinations
Sources
Final note
Sources

I used the following sources to create the content:
Quality manual of the KKNMS on teriflunomide (Aubagio) 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  DMSG information on teriflunomide DECIMS information on teriflunomide

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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You may also want to look at the posts on the other DMTs:
Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio) Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif) 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.

MS patient and advocate Rachel Horne sponsors a prize for women in MS research and campaigns for more diversity in clinical trials.
You can read all questions and answers on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/69-rachel-horne


Rachel Horne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 43, when she felt fit and healthy. She established the Rachel Horne Award to raise the visibility of women in MS research. The selection is made by a number of volunteers from International Women in MS according to clear criteria.
Rachel also advocates for a more diverse group of study participants in clinical trials. This could help to find the right treatment for each individual MS patient, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or co-morbidities. The greater the diversity of the study population, the better it is possible to assess effects and find out who benefits most and who does not.


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Introduction - Who is Rachel Horne?
Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies
Rachel Horne Prize for Women's Research in MS
Exploring the Influence of Gender and Ethnicity
Patient Advocate Activities
Quickfire Q&A Session
Farewell



Introduction - Who is Rachel Horne?

My name is Rachel. I was born in Canada and have lived in the UK for more than 30 years. I was diagnosed with MS in 2009 – about 15 years ago. I am married and have two adult children. Hobbies – I have to say reading!



Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with individuals living with MS?

I think it is so easy to forget that treatment into MS is a neurological success story. We now have over 20 drugs to treat our disease. People are living longer, better lives with the disease. The days of ‘diagnose and adios” are gone… though I am aware there are many countries in the world where this is not so.


How and where can interested people find you online?

I am on X (formerly Twitter): @RachelHorne19


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Thanks to Rachel for all her efforts in making the world more diverse and balanced,
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.

Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegrid,y Rebif) is used as a disease-modifying therapy for mild to moderate RRMS, CIS & SPMS.
You can find the full article to read on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/068-interferons


In today’s article, I present interferon-beta, which include several active substances and are known as Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif, or under other trade names. They are all approved disease-modifying drugs for relapsing forms of MS. They are used for mild and moderate courses of the disease.
Like glatiramer acetate and fumarates, which have already been presented, interferons have a broader mechanism of action. In the following, I will try to provide a good overview without delving into all the details. And as always: seek advice from MS specialists who know your individual situation, your wishes, your fears and your general state of health.


"},"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 interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif, and generics) classified in immunotherapies?
What is interferon-beta approved for?
What is the situation for special patient groups?
Who should avoid interferon-beta?
How does interferon-beta works?
How is it taken?
How effective is interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif, and generics)?
Risks and side effects of interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif and generics)
Vaccinations
Sources
Final note
Sources

I used the following sources to create the content:
Quality manual of the KKNMS on interferon-beta 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  DMSG information on interferon-beta DECIMS information on interferon-beta

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.


---


You may also want to look at the posts on the other DMTs:
Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) and diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio) 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.

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