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Confernece report: Change is one thing, progress is another

Anna North, Information Officer, MS Trust

Way Ahead 2008;12(1):14-15

4-6 November 2007, Leeds

The thriving cosmopolitan hub we know as Leeds, provided the colourful backdrop to the MS Trust's 11th annual conference. With over 300 delegates in attendance, the plenary and seminar sessions combined to deliver an inspiring insight into the progress that is being made towards improved understanding and management of MS.


Opening Plenary: The future of neurology in the NHS

Graham Venables opened the conference by identifying the historical struggles of neurology and the future challenges facing the profession. Christopher Ward followed with a more upbeat look at how neuro-rehabilitation is developing, particularly in holistic treatment of progressive forms of MS and how the current political climate may offer opportunities for improvement. Helen Ford summarised ten years of developing an MS service in Leeds, from the days of one MS neurologist and no community services, to a current multi-disciplinary community-based service with three consultant neurologists.

Graham Venables addressing the conference
Graham Venables addressing the conference


Keynote lectures

Allen Bowling's keynote lecture about complementary and alternative medicines focused specifically on 'the good, the bad and the ugly' elements of diet in MS. He discussed in some detail the evidence to support diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D - both as a prophylactic measure and once MS has been diagnosed - and gingko biloba offering a protective effect on cognition. 'The bad and the ugly' were identified as immune-stimulating dietary supplements, some of which pose theoretical risks in MS, and some of which are actively dangerous, such as kava-kava.

Jeremy Hobart gave an insightful lecture on neuroprotection and the new directions opening up in this particular field of research. He discussed the limitations of the generic scales that are used in clinical trials and built up a case for greater use of patient based rating scales.

Jeremy Hobart addressing the conference
Jeremy Hobart addressing the conference


Seminar sessions

The seminar sessions grappled with some of the more complex issues and practicalities of MS. These interactive sessions gave delegates the opportunity to share the experiences and challenges they meet with in a professional capacity, and to discuss ways of moving forward in the management of MS.

Amongst the most popular seminars, was Jennifer Lodge's session on managing bowel dysfunction in MS. Jen emphasised the importance of an individually tailored course of treatment in the management of bowel dysfunction, with particular focus on the effectiveness of the less invasive strategies such as abdominal massage, dietary changes, and adjusted posture. Discussion of the more invasive treatment options including imodium and catheterization invited some challenging questions from the seminar audience.


Closing plenary

Marking a shift in the perspective of conference speakers thus far, Philip Gettty delivered an insightful account of his personal experience of MS. Philip discussed everything from his earliest symptoms and diagnosis, through to the emotional journey that often faces people with MS in coming to terms with and understanding the condition. He gave an honest account of the challenges he faced following diagnosis and how it impacted upon his family and working life, while demonstrating how the decisions he had made, ultimately put him back in control of what he would get out of life.

Embracing the theme of progress once again, Belinda Weller delivered the closing presentation, Innovation and the future, with the clarity and perspective the subject is deserving of. The presentation provided an overview of the important developments that have emerged out of research into the prevention and treatment of MS over the last year. Belinda pointed to notable advances in our understanding of the genetics and epidemiology of MS; developments in the area of MS therapeutics; and the ongoing development of oral agents and novel treatments such as Campath-1H. Neuroprotection, stem cell biology and remyelination were also identified as expanding areas of research.

The conference closed with the presentation of some well-deserved prizes, including; Katrina Wilson for best development module student for 2006; Jane Springham, Claire Lang and Pauline Pope for contributions to Way Ahead; Nicki Ward-Abel for Sexuality and MS: a guide for women; Gail Townsend for At Work with MS; and Liz Betts for the Move it for MS DVD.


Posters

An excellent range of posters were displayed at conference. The following were awarded prizes:

  • Julia Johnson won 1st prize with Developing MS exercise groups - learning from experience
  • Alan Izat runner up with Auditing safety cannula during infusion of IVMP for multiple sclerosis relapses
  • Lou Jarrett runner up with Neurological and obstetric services working in partnership - a case report

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