September 15, 2017 News by Patricia Inacio, PhD Probiotics Consumption May Improve Certain Disease Parameters in MS Patients, Study Suggests Probiotics may improve the health of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by reducing disability and improving inflammatory and metabolic parameters, an Iranian study shows. Live microorganisms linked to health benefits, known as probiotics, have long been known to help chronic disease patients. In a previous study of people with major depressive disorder, probiotics treatment for eight weeks improved patientsā depression and metabolic parameters. More recently, authors investigated the impact of probiotics on a group of MS patients, looking not only at mental health and metabolic indicators, but also disability scores. Researchers at Tehran's Shahid Beheshti Hospital recruited 60 MS patients, divided them in half, and assigned 30 to take a probiotic capsule and 30 a placebo once a day for 12 weeks. The probiotic contained the healthy bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus fermentum. Researchers measured patientsā health parameters and disability scores at baseline and after treatment. The results showed that probiotic intake after 12 weeks improved MS patients' disability scores (assessed by the expanded disability status scale, EDSS) when compared to placebo controls. Although this improvement was statistically significant, it was not clinically significant ā which is defined as a change of 1.0 point or more at EDSS levels less than 5.5, or 0.5 point or more at EDSS levels greater than 5.5). Moreover, benefits were also detected in several mental health parameters ā Beck Depression Inventory, general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), depression anxiety and stress scale. Consuming probiotic capsules also significantly decreased insulin levels and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in circulation, researchers also found. It also lowered certain markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, such as serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA).
August 24, 2017 Columns by Jennifer (Jenn) Powell Using Peace of Mind to Cope with MS In this chaotic worldĀ in which we live, it is hard to be still, to sit with nothing but our thoughts. There is always something to worry about or preoccupy our minds that never allows us to rest in the present. As I sit on the patio and write,…
June 29, 2017 News by Patricia Silva, PhD Poor Caregiver Mental Health Might Shorten Lifespan of MS Patients Under Their Care The stress of caring for a family member with multiple sclerosis (MS) or another neurodegenerative disease may directly affect the quality of care, according to a study showing that poor caregiver mental health causesĀ higher mortality rates among the patients they care for. The study, published in the journal Proceedings…
September 6, 2016 News by Patricia Silva, PhD Parents of Youngsters with MS Voice Needs and Frustrations in Study A study exploring the difficulties parents experience when their childĀ develops multiple sclerosis (MS) foundĀ that more support and education ā from healthcare and school staff, as well as by parents themselves ā is key to easing the burden of a child or teenager with this disease. The study, āParentsā…
May 13, 2016 News by Ćzge Ćzkaya, PhD Fatigue in MS Patients Can Cause Depression and Impair Life Quality, Regardless of Disability A new study suggests a strong association in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients between high levels of fatigue and mental health, quality of life (QoL), and the ability to move about and participate in daily activities, althoughĀ disability is not related to fatigue levels. Ā These findings are of importance and highlight the…
September 29, 2014 News by Patricia Silva, PhD Kessler Study Recommends Wellness Program for Multiple Sclerosis In today’s healthcare environment, it is often not enough that patients are provided with the latest treatments. Good health is not merely the absence of injury or disease, but overall wellness that includes mental, spiritual and social health. A group of investigators from the Kessler Foundation…