MSAA Unveils New Print, Online Resources for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) has released three new resources for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), available for free as both printed and online versions on MSAA’s website.

According to a press release, the three new resources are:

• A cover story in the latest edition of MSAA’s award-winning magazine The Motivator, providing information and support for MS patients and their caretakers, family members and specialized medical professionals. The story looks at the development of diagnosis, symptoms, disease course, treatment response and access to care for minorities living with MS. This particular edition has an “Ask the Doctor” column, updates on MSAA’s programs and fundraisers, and some inspiration with a personal story, “Stories to Inspire: Family Comes First.”
• The 2017 MS Research Update, an annual edition offering key information on specific disease-modifying therapies approved for MS by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, findings on experimental treatments currently being evaluated, and descriptions of new areas for MS research. This year’s update includes an extensive overview of the most recent disease-modifying therapies approved for both relapsing and primary progressive forms of MS.
• The association’s newest publication, MSAA’s Programs and Ways to Support Our Mission, highlights free programs, services and opportunities to give back and support their work. Included are MSAA’s toll-free helpline, an MRI Access Fund and educational programs.

In addition, the MSAA has unveiled its S.E.A.R.C.H. program to facilitate discussions with doctors about treatment options. The acronym stands for Safety, Effectiveness, Access, Risks, Convenience and Health Outcomes.

The MSAA also has a mobile phone app called My MS Manager — available for both Android and iOS devices — to help patients keep track of their disease activity, store medical information, and generate charts and reports across several metrics including treatment, mood and symptoms. MSAA also offers a clinical trial search tool designed to help MS patients find clinical trials according to their specificities.

In August 2016, the MSAA launched My MSAA Community, a free online forum offering people with MS, their caregivers and family members a way to connect with others facing the same challenges. The forum is financed through a partnership with HealthUnlocked, a health-specific social network.