New England MS Branch

07/05/2026

We all need to listen to our bodies.

Your energy is not unlimited… and that’s okay.

For many people living with MS, every day requires intention. Knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to rest isn’t weakness, it’s strategy.

Today’s reminder: protecting your energy is part of showing up for your life.

What’s one small thing you do to recharge? Drop it below 👇
You might help someone else more than you realize. 💙🧡

Save this for the days you need it.

07/05/2026

Another interesting area of research relating to MS.

The gut microbiome is becoming an important area of interest in MS research. Studies have shown that the gut microbiome in people living with MS differs from healthy individuals, suggesting it may play a role in the disease. Some research has also found that existing MS treatments may alter the gut microbiome, which could potentially be part of why they have a beneficial effect.
There are still many unanswered questions, but research in this area is growing quickly, including interest in whether approaches that target the gut microbiome, such as diet, could become future treatment strategies for MS.

02/05/2026

A good excuse to sit in the sun with a book or a coffee when you need little break. 😃.Vitamin D is important.

What’s the connection between vitamin D and MS? Here’s what research suggests. https://bit.ly/4mblWH3

02/05/2026

The current situation with NDIS is a great concern to us all.

To everyone in the MS community.

For people with MS on the NDIS, disability supports are not discretionary. They are essential. Particularly given the lifelong, progressive and often unpredictable nature of MS.

Recent announcements have outlined a series of reforms aimed at slowing NDIS growth, including the introduction of new planning and assessment frameworks, and measures that will significantly reshape how supports are funded, delivered and managed.

We welcome a number of these changes focused on quality care, including registration requirements for direct care services; and we support a scheme that is sustainable for those with higher support needs, as the scheme was designed. We understand the Government’s need to manage the affordability of the scheme.

There are, however, some changes that, without further detail, may be of concern, including reductions in funding for social and community participation, fewer support coordinators and plan managers; as well as new standardised functional assessments, which may have real implications for people living with MS and other neurological conditions who rely on the scheme.

MS Australia remains steadfast in our commitment to advocate for a better NDIS.

One that is fair, sustainable, and that continues to deliver certainty, dignity and access to vital supports for people living with MS.

As the Government moves forward with legislation, consultation and implementation, we will continue to engage directly with decision‑makers to ensure the lived realities of people with MS are understood and reflected; including the need for ongoing access to appropriate supports and services.

We will continue to stand alongside the MS community, amplify your voices, and push for an NDIS that works for people living with MS and other neurological conditions, now and into the future.

View on our website: https://bit.ly/3QFxvuy

02/05/2026

A healthy diet is good for everyone.

Healthy eating with MS doesn’t have to be complicated—small steps can make a big impact. https://bit.ly/4mecwuk

28/04/2026

This is a very good quick explanation as to why there are so many different consequences of having MS. Everyone has their own selection of issues .

MS Explained Like a Short Circuit: When the Immune System Attacks Myelin, Nerve Signals Break Down—Triggering Unpredictable Symptoms Across the Brain and Body

28/04/2026

Always remember you are in charge of yourself and you know how you feel better than anyone else.

16/04/2026

A very informative and easy to do and understand course. I recommend it to everyone, especially newly diagnosed, and family and friends ds of those with MS.

Learn about multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, how its diagnosed and the experience of people living with MS in this free short course that has been curated in support of the World MS Day campaign My MS Diagnosis.

16/04/2026

What’s driving the risk of multiple sclerosis, and could a common virus be a key piece of the puzzle? 🧠🦠

Research led by Dr Yuan Zhou from our MS Research Flagship is shedding new light on the role of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition affecting more than 37,000 Australians.

Dr Zhou is the lead investigator of a major MRFF‑funded project within the Australian Consortium for EBV Research in MS (ACE‑MS), a national collaboration examining how EBV contributes to MS and how this knowledge could inform future prevention and treatment strategies. His team is also collaborating with research groups internationally, including the Genome Institute of Singapore and partners in the European EBV-MS Consortium.

“Currently, by the time MS is diagnosed, there is already damage occurring in the brain. It is hard to turn back the clock,” says Dr Zhou.
“If we are able to show that MS development is influenced by specific EBV strains, there may be future opportunities to prevent the disease through early or preventative interventions.”

Read more via the link in the comments. 👇

04/04/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter. Hope the Easter bunny is generous to you all. 🐇🐇😘💝

04/04/2026

Understanding symptoms of MS is very helpful to not only those suffering with MS, but also to the carers, family and friends who are there to help and support when needed.

🌟 Understanding common symptoms of MS 🌟
MS affects everyone differently, but there are some common symptoms many people living with MS experience. Knowing these can help you better recognise changes early.
🔹 Fatigue – persistent tiredness that doesn’t always improve with rest.
🔹 Balance problems & dizziness – unsteadiness or coordination issues.
🔹 Bladder & bowel changes – urgency, frequency or incontinence.
🔹 Cognitive fog – difficulty thinking clearly, remembering or concentrating.
🔹 Vision changes – blurred or double vision or blind spots.
🔹 Sensory symptoms – tingling, numbness, burning or itching sensations.
🔹 Weakness & pain – muscle weakness and discomfort that can affect daily life.
🔹 Tremors or spasms – involuntary shaking or tightness in muscles.
🔹 Headaches, mood changes & emotions – including depression or anxiety.
🔹 Paroxysmal symptoms – sudden, brief symptoms such as electric -shock-like sensations or sharp pain.
Living with MS means symptoms can vary over time and from person to person.
👉 Learn more about these symptoms: https://www.msplus.org.au/your-neuro-condition/common-symptoms