New technologies to help fight the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS)

By Ted Brown, MD

Many representations of the ever-expanding role of technology in our lives depict the dangers of technology as dehumanizing, depersonalizing, and disengaging.  See for example the classic novel, Brave New World, published in 1932, authored by Aldous Huxley.  We all need to use caution in adopting technology that may complicate our lives and increase our reliance on non-human devices for performing our daily activities, outdating skills that we may have been using for years and decades such as remembering facts and calculating numbers.   

Redmond Self-help Group

Find comfort and strength with your peers as you learn, cope, laugh and celebrate the challenges and successes of living with MS. We welcome people of all ages with all different types of MS.  Share your story and learn new ways to live with MS.

Date: 1^st Thursday of each month

Time: 12 to 1 pm

Location: Redmond United Methodist Church

Contact: Sue at Sue_Dahlin@msn.com 

Eastside MS Self Help Group

Come join the ‘No Whiners’ group. The name of the group is exactly what we are all about – no whining! Find comfort and strength with your peers as you learn new information and tips to get more out of your life. Guest speakers from many disciplines and areas of interest educate us each month. We welcome people of all ages with all different types of MS. 

Date:   2nd Wednesday of each month

Time:     9:30am – 11:15am

Location: Swedish Hospital (Issaquah)

2nd Floor Conference Room

Kirkland MS Self-help Group

Find comfort and strength with your peers as you learn, cope, laugh and celebrate the challenges and successes of living with MS. We welcome people of all ages with all

different types of MS. Share your story and learn new ways to live with MS.

Date: 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Evergreen Hospital - Tan Rm. 121

12040 NE 128th St.

Kirkland, WA

Contact: Karen: karcu@hotmail.com

Susan: 425-822-0462

Neurological Exercise Group

Presented by Rehabilitation Services

Gentle stretch and strength exercises done in a chair and standing. For patients affected by neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis.

First Quarter 2017 Class Dates:

Jan. 3 – Jan. 31
Feb. 7 – Feb. 28
Mar. 7 – Mar. 28

Neuro-Nutrition Class

An interactive class and discussion group for people who live with Parkinson’s Disease, MS and other neurologic conditions. The focus of these classes will be to learn more about how to: Plan a good basic diet that provides the nutrition your body needs Understand the calories needed to achieve or maintain a reasonable weight Develop eating strategies to prevent GI issues like constipation and slow digestion Schedule meals for best medication action Protect your energy by planning and preparing meals

From the Ground up strength and flexibility

The exercises take place on the ground but they benefit you in all

walks of life. Geared toward those with neurological challenges

including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and post-stroke

recovery this weekly mat-oriented class includes elements of yoga,

tai chi, dumbbell exercise, exercise bands and more.

Fall Prevention: Take Action!

Each year, millions of adults ages 65 and older fall. People with disabilities are also at high risk. Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can increase the risk of early death. Fortunately, falls are preventable!

Men's Group

Feeling like your world is a little out of control? Your body and brain are in a conspiracy not to work together and make your life miserable?

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We may have all come here on different ships, but we’re all in the same boat now.”

Come join other men with neurological concerns to explore what is happening to our minds and bodies as we look for ways to cope and to thrive in spite of our limitations.

Laughter Therapy

Effect and efficacy of Laughter Therapy (LT) in people with central nervous system disorders.

Description

The EvergreenHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center is conducting a prospective investigation of the effects of Laughter Therapy (LT) on perceived stress, self-efficacy, mood, and other wellness measures in people with the following neurological conditions: Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Post-Stroke, Brain Injury, and Spinal Cord Injury.

MIRROR STUDY: Urinary urgency trial

MIRROR STUDY

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02086188

Pilot Study of Mirabegron and Behavioral Modification Including Pelvic Floor Exercise for Overactive Bladder in Multiple Sclerosis
Description 
Investigator: Ted Brown, MD
For More Information: Shalom Kilcup - 425.899.5369 SEKilcup@evergreenhealth.com

Tecfidera's impact on gut microbes

Click for printable flyer

Tecfidera IIT

Measuring the Impact of Tecfidera on the Gut Microbiota: Does a Change in the Gut Flora Correlate with Gastrointestinal Disturbances Following Therapy Initiation?

Description
The primary objective of this pilot study is to determine whether a measureable change in bacteria represented in the gut takes place following the initiation of dimethyl fumarate, also known as Tecfidera. This study will assess whether a measured change in gut bacterial flora corresponds to the risk of developing gastrointestinal disturbances and of changes in mood state.

Post injection site pain study

PEG-Thermal IIT

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02490943

A pilot study of warm and cold compress to reduce injection site erythema due to peginterferon-beta-1a in multiple sclerosis.

Phase IV

The MS Center is enrolling research volunteers for a drug study in MS. A research trial using thermal methods to reduce redness and pain caused by peginterferon-beta-1a (Plegridy) injections.

Exercise and Cognitive Performance in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

A growing body of studies has been published recently looking at the impact of exercise on cognitive symptoms in a number of chronic conditions, including multiple sclerosis.  

A recent pilot study presented by Dr. Brian M. Sandroff at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, provided intriguing results on treadmill walking and its impact on cognitive measures and aerobic fitness.