MS Society Canada

World MS Day Unites People to Share, Promote ‘Connections’

From sharing stories to heraldingĀ support networks, people across the globe are preparing to mark World MS Day, observed annually on May 30th to heighten awareness of multiple sclerosis (MS), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the 2.8 million people it’s thought to affect. Event activities take place throughout May…

MS Society of Canada Grant to Support AI in Predicting Disease Course

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has awarded CA$1 million to a project helping doctors who treatĀ multiple sclerosis (MS) patients make more personalized treatment decisions through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The society awarded the five-year grant (worth about $814,800) to Douglas Arnold, MD, a neurologist with…

MS Society of Canada Creates ‘Wellness Toolbox’ to Help Patients Manage Their Disease

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada ā€” with input from both experts and patients ā€” has developed a "wellness toolbox" with strategies to help multiple sclerosis (MS) patients cope with their disease. Wellness is becoming a big area of research, particularly in patients with chronic diseases such as MS. With an estimated 291 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2013, according to the Multiple Sclerosis International Foundation, Canada has the world's highest incidence of MS. While pharmaceutical and scientific research are advancing in the therapeutic area, studies are also underway to determine the contribution of wellness factors such as nutrition, physical activity and emotional well-being -- to quality of life for MS patients. With that in mind, the Toronto-based MS Society of Canada conducted a Wellness Survey, which led to the launch of the HermĆØs Canada | MS Society Wellness Research Innovation Grant. These grants are awarded to scientists conducting research on MS and wellness factors. The University of Saskatchewan, which received one such grant in 2016, investigated the effect of Pilates in people with MS. The study recruited 30 MS patients. Half took Pilates classes twice a week and massage therapy once a week, while the other half only did once-a-week massage therapy. Results showed that patients who took Pilates classes saw an improvement in their overall condition, compared to patients in the control group. To create its wellness toolbox, the MS Society of Canada received input from MS patients about strategies that have helped them manage the disease and live a full life.