RealTalk MS Jon Strum

Think about how much faster, easier, cheaper, and less invasive it would be if MS could be diagnosed by a simple blood test. 
Scientists have identified biomarkers that can be used to diagnose MS and even predict MS before someone experiences any symptoms. Biomarkers may even be used to predict MS progression before it occurs. 

Joining me to discuss how biomarkers may change the way MS is diagnosed and treated is Dr. Tanuja Chitnis, a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, as well as the Director of the CLIMB Study and the Translational Neuroimmunology Research Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital. 
We're also talking about a recent breakthrough in myelin repair.
We're sharing all the details about how you can participate in World MS Day on May 30th.
We'll tell you about a report commissioned by the National Academy of Medicine that takes a close look at the challenges of identifying credible health information in social media. 
And if you're an MS caregiver, healthcare professional, or researcher, we'll give you the details of an important survey that you can participate in.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

Biomarkers can change everything   :22
May 30th is World MS Day  1:53
Lab-made molecule is shown to promote myelin repair in preclinical models of MS  3:23
National Academy of Medicine weighs in on the challenges of finding credible sources of health information in social media    5:03
An important survey for MS caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers  11:34
Dr. Tanuja Chitnis discusses biomarkers that may fundamentally change how MS is diagnosed and treated  13:38
Share this episode  28:23
Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device   28:43

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email:  https://realtalkms.com/247

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
National MS Society COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for People Living with MS
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance
Report: Identifying Credible Sources of Health Information in Social Media: Principles and Attributes
https://nam.edu/identifying-credible-sources-of-health-information-in-social-media-principles-and-attributes
World MS Day
https://worldmsday.org
iConquer MS Survey for MS Caregivers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823942/Caregiver-Survey-MS-Caregivers
iConquer MS Survey for Researchers and Healthcare Providers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823815/Caregiver-research-survey-HCPs-and-researchers
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 247
Guests: Dr. Tanuja Chitnis
Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResearch, MSSociety, RealTalkMS
Privacy Policy

When my wife was diagnosed with MS in 1997, the annual cost of her MS medication was $9,000. Today, the annual cost of that same medication is $110,000.
We cannot allow the insanity associated with the cost of MS medications to continue.

Joining me to discuss the impact of the outrageously high cost of MS medications -- and what each of us can do about it -- is the National MS Society's Vice-President of Advocacy, Steffany Stern.
We're also talking about a Phase 1 clinical trial for an investigational Epstein-Barr Virus vaccine (and why that matters to everyone living with MS).
We'll tell you about a study that may have identified a biomarker for MS-related fatigue.
We're also sharing the results of a study that identified which stress-reducing activities can help reduce MS-related depression and fatigue.
And we'll tell you about a study that identified the economic benefits of starting MS medications early.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

The (HIGH!) Cost of MS Medications   :22
NIH Announces Phase I Clinical Trial of Investigational EBV Vaccine 4:21
Study identifies a potential biomarker for MS fatigue  6:04
Study identifies stress-reducing activities that lower MS-related depression and fatigue    8:37
Study shows the economic benefits of starting MS medications early  11:25
Steffany Stern discusses the impact of the cost of MS medications   14:16
Share this episode  32:10
Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device   32:30

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/246

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
National MS Society COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for People Living with MS
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance

National MS Society: You Can Help Bring MS Medications Into Reach
https://nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Make-MS-Medications-Accessible/Take-Action
RealTalk MS Ep.229: Evidence Shows MS Is Triggered by the Epstein-Barr Virus with Dr. Kassandra Munger and Dr. AJ Joshi
https://realtalkms.com/229
RealTalk MS Episode 231: Evidence Shows EBV Triggers MS: Understanding this Breakthrough Research with Dr. Bruce Bebo
https://realtalkms.com/231
Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid Precursor Protein as a Potential Biomarker for Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034822003583
SURVEY: Undertaking Specific Stress-Reducing Activities are Associated with Reduced Fatigue and Depression, And Increased Mastery, in People with Multiple Sclerosis
https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034822003169
Early vs Late Treatment Initiation in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Impact on Cost of Illness: A Register-Based Prospective Cohort Study in Sweden
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35496759
iConquer MS Survey for MS Caregivers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823942/Caregiver-Survey-MS-Caregivers
iConquer MS Survey for Researchers and Healthcare Providers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823815/Caregiver-research-survey-HCPs-and-researchers
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/id14

For some, the journey to their MS diagnosis is relatively quick and straightforward. For others, it can be lengthy and convoluted, sometimes  taking years.

Joining me to talk about some of the twists and turns that can pop up on the road to being diagnosed with MS is Dr. Michael Robers, a neurologist in the Multiple Sclerosis Program and an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at Barrow Neurological Institute.
We're also talking about a study that measured MS prevalence among Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian people.
We'll share results of a survey that looked at cannabis use among Canadians living with MS.
We're also sharing results of a survey that looked at where Americans living with MS get their information about cannabis.
If you're an MS caregiver, healthcare professional, or researcher, we'll give you the details about an important survey that you can participate in.
And we're even taking a moment for a special thank you!
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

A quick look at the numbers and a heartfelt thank you!   :22
A date that each person remembers 2:59
Study looks at MS prevalence among different racial and ethnic groups  4:36
Survey results show cannabis use among Canadians with MS    7:41
Where do you get your information?  10:07
Survey results show where Americans with MS get their information and guidance about cannabis  11:20
An important survey for MS caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers  14:37
Dr. Michael Robers discusses the journey to an MS diagnosis  17:03
Share this episode  31:20
Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device   31:41

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/245

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
National MS Society COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for People Living with MS
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance

STUDY: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence
https://n.neurology.org/content/98/18/e1818
SURVEY: Medical Cannabis Used in Canadians with Multiple Sclerosis
https://www.msard-journal.com/article/S2211-0348(22)00153-5/fulltext
SURVEY: Sources of Cannabis Information and Medical Guidance for Neurologic Use: NARCOMS Survey of People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
https://cp.neurology.org/content/12/2/102
iConquer MS Survey for MS Caregivers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823942/Caregiver-Survey-MS-Caregivers
iConquer MS Survey for Researchers and Healthcare Providers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823815/Caregiver-research-survey-HCPs-and-researchers
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 245
Guests: Dr. Michael Robers
Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResearch, MSSociety, RealTalkMS
Privacy Policy

Planning for your financial future is good advice for everyone. But when you're living with MS, financial planning is an important part of the game plan for living your best life.

Joining me to talk about the things you'll want to keep in mind as you develop your personal financial roadmap is Dick Bell, a professional financial advisor who has worked with more than 600 clients who are living with MS.
We're also talking about how Russia's invasion of Ukraine is impacting MS clinical research.
We'll tell you about a study that's focusing on a novel approach to promoting remyelination.
We're sharing the results of a study that identified a biomarker that may predict future MS disease progression. 
And we'll share survey results that show all the ways that MS can impact life.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

How Russia's invasion of Ukraine is impacting MS clinical research   1:35
A study in the U.K. will test a novel approach to promoting remyelination:  3:27
Study identifies a biomarker that may predict future MS disease activity  7:26
FDA awards Breakthrough Device Designation to a technology that may speed MS diagnosis and predict future disease activity   9:56
Survey results show all the ways MS impacts your life  11:20
Financial advisor Dick Bell discusses your long-term financial strategy for living with MS  15:39
Share this episode  28:05
Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device   28:25

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/244

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
National MS Society COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for People Living with MS
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance

CCMR Two: A Phase IIa, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of the Ability of Metformin and Clemastine to Promote Remyelination in People with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Already on Disease-Modifying Therapy
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05131828
STUDY: Prognostic Value of Serum Filament Light Chain for Disease Activity and Worsening in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Results from the Phase 3 ASCLEPIOS I and II Trials
https://frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.852563/full
iConquer MS Survey for MS Caregivers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823942/Caregiver-Survey-MS-Caregivers
iConquer MS Survey for Researchers and Healthcare Providers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823815/Caregiver-research-survey-HCPs-and-researchers
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 244
Guests: Dick Bell
Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResearch, MSSociety, RealTalkMS
Privacy Policy

Living with MS is expensive. And if you're curious about how expensive living with MS is, why it's so expensive, and what can be done about it, then you're going to be interested in the results of a study that was commissioned by the National MS Society.

Joining me to talk about what this study revealed and what it means to individuals and families affected by MS are Dr. Bruce Bebo, the Executive Vice-President of Research at the National MS Society, and the MS Society's Executive Vice-President of Advocacy and Healthcare Access, Bari Talente.
We're also talking about a study that reveals a connection between MS severity and geography.
Have you ever wondered why some people develop severe MS while others don't? We're sharing the details of a study that's hoping to answer that question.
And if you're a caregiver for someone who's living with MS, or you're a healthcare provider who interacts with MS caregivers, or you're a researcher interested in MS caregivers, we'll explain why iConquer MS would like just a few minutes of your time.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

Measuring the financial impact of MS  :22
A study shows MS severity correlates to geographic latitude  1:47
A new study will try to understand why some people develop severe MS while others don't  4:13
iConquer MS is expanding to include MS caregivers but first they need your help  7:26
Dr. Bruce Bebo and Bari Talente break down the results of a study that focused on the cost of living with MS   9:56
Share this episode  29:04
Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device   29:25

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/243

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
National MS Society COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for People Living with MS
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance

STUDY: Economic Burden of Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: Estimate of Direct and Indirect Costs
https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2022/04/13/WNL.0000000000200150
STUDY: Association of Latitude and Exposure to Ultraviolet B Radiation With Severity of Multiple Sclerosis: An International Registry Study
https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2022/04/11/WNL.0000000000200545
University at Buffalo Multiple Sclerosis Research Challenge: Contribute to the CASA-MS Study
https://crowdfunding.buffalo.edu/project/29733
iConquer MS Survey for MS Caregivers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823942/Caregiver-Survey-MS-Caregivers
iConquer MS Survey for Researchers and Healthcare Providers
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823815/Caregiver-research-survey-HCPs-and-researchers
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 243
Guests: Dr. Bruce Bebo and Bari Talente
Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResea

Mask mandates have mostly ended, and bars, restaurants, public buildings, and other businesses no longer require proof of vaccination. It looks like the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Except for the fact that we're seeing cases of the latest COVID subvariant continue to rise in cities across the country and around the world. So, how do we navigate this post-pandemic world? And if you happen to be immunocompromised, how do you stay safe?

Joining me as she has throughout the pandemic, with an update including the steps you can take to stay safe as the world re-opens is Dr. Nancy Sicotte. Dr. Sicotte is a professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Sicotte also Chairs the National MS Society’s National Medical Advisory Committee and she leads the MS Society's COVID-19 Advisory Group.
We're also talking about a workshop that brought together a group of global experts to weigh in on autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) as a viable treatment for MS.
We're sharing the details about an upcoming clinical trial that will test a myelin-restoring treatment for people with relapsing-remitting MS.
Evidence from multiple studies shows that members of the Black and Hispanic communities who live with MS can experience a more severe disease course and a higher disability burden. We'll share the details of a presentation from the Academy of American Neurology annual meeting that sheds new light on what may be driving these disparities. 
And we'll tell you how you can register to participate in the National African-Americans with MS Registry.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

Welcome to the Next Normal!  :22
ECTRIMS hosts an Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (aHSCT) workshop  1:45
FDA Approves clinical trial for a myelin-restoring treatment  6:04
New data may explain racial and ethnic disparities in MS disease severity and treatment  7:45
The National African Americans with MS Registry  10:13
Dr. Nancy Sicotte explains what people with MS need to know to stay safe as they re-enter a post-pandemic world   11:52
Share this episode  32:31
Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device   32:51

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/242

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
National MS Society COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for People Living with MS
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance

ECTRIMS Focused Workshop: Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation For Treatment of MS and Related Diseases
https://ectrims.eu/ongoing-educational-programmes/focused-workshops
National MS Society Recommendations for aHSCT-Bone Marrow Transplant for MS
https://nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/National-MS-Society-Releases-Recommendations-for-a
National African Americans with MS Registry
https://www.naamsr.org
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