Stem cell transplants may induce long-term remission of multiple sclerosis

Source: NIH Gov

New clinical trial results provide evidence that high-dose immunosuppressive therapy followed by transplantation of a person’s own blood-forming stem cells can induce sustained remission of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. Read on.

MS Society Campaign: Our Green Paper response: some people with MS can’t work, don’t put more pressure on them

Source MS Society:

We’re really concerned about changes to disability benefits proposed in the Government’s Green Paper on work, health and disability. And we let them know in our detailed response.

We’re urging them to scrap plans to introduce ‘mandatory activity’ for people in the support group of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). These plans could force people, already assessed as too unwell to work, to prepare for work or risk facing cuts to their benefits.  Read on.

HSCT could have long-term benefits

Source MS Society:

HSCT could have long-term benefits for some people with MS, according to the results of a large study that we co-funded.

After five years, progression had stopped in just under half of the 239 people eligible for the treatment.  Read on.

New voice for disabled consumers

Source BBC:

Disabled people will get a fresh chance to make their concerns heard as consumers, thanks to a government initiative to be announced on Tuesday.

Eleven sector champions are being appointed to help make different areas of business more accountable to the disabled.  Read on.

Mouse model helps explain why some patients with multiple sclerosis have seizures

Source EurekAlert:

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects nearly 2.3 million people worldwide. MS is triggered when the immune system attacks the protective covering around nerve fibers, called the myelin sheath. The “demyelination” that follows damages nerve cells and causes impaired exchange of information between the brain and body as well as within the brain itself.  Read on.

Spaces on hold for Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on Sunday 30th July

We have 2 spaces on hold for anyone interested in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on Sunday 30th July.  MS National centre have a number of places, cost: £270.   For more info on the event https://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/events/100/  The public ballot entry system is now closed and these are sought after, so great opportunity for a rider and sponsorship for us.

New THURSDAY AQUA Class

New THURSDAY AQUA Classes
Trial starting in March. Third Thursday of the Month 2.00 – 2.45
(March 16th, April 20th, May 18th, June 15th )
If you can’t make First Friday sessions, this is your chance to see what you have been missing.
All welcome. Free entry to Milton Park Pool with OMSTC membership card. A small financial donation will be requested if you sign up with our Aqua group on Thursday and/or Friday afternoons! Talk to Jon if interested.