MS research update - 05 February 2010
- Slower information processing speed linked to fatigue in MS
- Eye problems in the early stages of MS
- Study shows benefits of long-term use of Copaxone
Slower information processing speed linked to fatigue in MS
Information processing is a term that is used to describe how effectively we are able to absorb and understand information. Previous research has suggested that people with MS have slower processing speeds. The present study investigated whether there is any link between slow information processing speed and fatigue in people with MS.
People enrolled in the study belonged to one of three groups: fatigued people with MS; non-fatigued people with MS; and healthy volunteers. Each group underwent a series of cognitive tests geared towards measuring how quickly they were able to process information.
The results of the study showed that both the fatigued and non-fatigued people with MS had slower information processing speeds than the healthy volunteers. However, the information processing speeds of the group of fatigued people with MS were significantly slower than those of non-fatigued people with MS. The results would suggest that fatigue has a direct effect on the information processing speeds of people with MS.
Adreason AK, Spliid PE, Andersen H, et al.
Fatigue and processing speed are related in multiple sclerosis.
European Journal of Neurology 2010; 17(2): 212-218.
Medline abstract
Eye problems in the early stages of MS
The present paper reviews the evidence for eye problems in the early stages of MS and suggests that opthalmologists ought to be more aware of these symptoms as early signs of MS onset.
The paper describes the variety of eye symptoms that present in the early stages of MS including: optic neuritis - experienced as visual disturbance and pain behind the eyeball; blurred vision; diplopia (double vision); oscilopsia (a visual disturbance where objects in the visual field appear to move); nystagmus (where the eyes are seen to move rhythmically from side to side, up and down, or in a rotary manner from their original focus) and uevitis (painful red eyes accompanied by disturbed vision).
Roodhooft JM.
Ocular problems in early stages of multiple sclerosis.
Bulletin of the Belgian Society of Ophthalmology 2009; 313:65-8.
Medline abstract
Study shows benefits of long-term use of Copaxone
The present US-based study is the longest evaluation of continuous treatment with Copaxone in people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. People enrolled onto the study were assessed every 6 months using the EDSS scale to measure level of physical disability, and were monitored for the number of relapses experienced and transition to secondary progressive course of MS.
Based on the data for 100 people, the study concluded that for people with a mean MS duration of 22 years and up to 15 years continuous use of Copaxone, there was a significant reduction in relapses, decreased disability progression and conversion to secondary progressive MS. This study confirms the safety and effectiveness of Copaxone over the long-term.
Ford C, Goodman AD, Johnson K, et al.
Continuous long-term immunomodulatory therapy in relapsing multiple sclerosis: results from the 15-year analysis of the US prospective open-label study of glatiramer acetate.
Multiple Sclerosis 2010 [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract