Multiple Sclerosis: Information and Conversation

09/10/2025

💬 Real conversations. Real progress.
We’re proud to share the EXTRA video series — exclusive interviews from the world’s leading MS researchers and clinicians, captured live by .

🎯 This year’s topics include:
🔹 Breakthroughs in clinical trials
🔹 Evolving definitions of MS progression
🔹 New insights into biomarkers and treatment strategies

At RealTalk MS, our mission is to make science accessible and empower everyone affected by multiple sclerosis with information that truly matters.
🎥 Watch the EXTRA videos now on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLATxgj1uHpxNoXakZif9TEkKT6mQSwX_9&si=f1k8r2HWkF9mGz52
❤️ Like, share, and comment to keep these important conversations moving forward.

Check out our "ECTRIMS EXTRA" conversations with some of the top MS experts in the world at the largest MS research conference in the world.

30/09/2025

✨ WHAT 2025 MEANS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

🌍 Last week, over 9,600 MS researchers and clinicians came together in Barcelona for the European Committee for Treatment & Research in Multiple Sclerosis ( 2025) annual scientific congress.
🎙️ Minutes after the conference wrapped up, in what has become an annual RealTalk MS tradition, I sat down with Dr. Bruce Bebo, Executive Vice President of Research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to get his first impressions of the groundbreaking science presented.
💡 Then, I was joined by Kristine Werner Ozug, a member of the RealTalk MS team who lives with MS, to share her unique perspective on three days filled with nonstop presentations, news, and announcements.
👉 This episode brings you both the science and the lived experience — because that’s what truly matters for our community.
🎧 Listen now:

27/08/2025

RealTalk MS Episode 417: 🎶✨ Exciting news! ✨🎶
Jeff Beal — five-time Emmy award-winning composer — shares his inspiring journey as both an artist and someone living with MS.
🎻 And there’s more: we’re giving you all the details about a free event happening at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica on September 1! Jeff will take the stage with conductor Leonard Slatkin and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for a special concert featuring three of Jeff’s works, including a world premiere. 🌟

But that’s not all…
🧠 We’re also diving into:
•A groundbreaking AI-based model of MS that replaces MS subtypes (RRMS, SPMS, PPMS) with a continuum that tracks four disease states.
•A study identifying gut bacteria that may determine MS susceptibility.
•And the discovery of the first genetic marker that can predict how someone will respond to a disease-modifying therapy.

🎧 Tune in and don’t miss this powerful conversation + the exciting updates!
Don’t miss it!

27/08/2025

Research Opportunity: Brain Donations to Advance Multiple Sclerosis Research

Summary: The National Multiple Sclerosis Brain Bank at Columbia University, funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is enrolling individuals interested in donating their brains after death. These donations help scientists better understand the disease, develop new treatments, and work toward a cure.

Details, Background, and Rationale: A brain bank is a resource where donated brain tissue is collected, stored, and shared with researchers. Tissue donations are used for experiments that can uncover important insights about MS.

Eligibility: Participants nationwide with or without MS are eligible for tissue donation.

What is Involved? Individuals interested in donating their brains will discuss the process in detail with Brain Bank researchers. If they wish to donate their brain after death, they will be invited to enroll in the “Snapshot Study.” For all participants, the study collects cognitive health information as well as clinical information over time about the course of their disease, symptoms, and treatments.

Listen to RealTalk MS Episode 331 with Dr. Claire Riley, medical director of the Columbia MS Center. She oversees the recruitment and characterization of study participants.
Realtalkms.com/331

Learn more about the research here:

The National MS Society is the leading resource for MS research, education, and support. See how we drive progress to change the world for people affected by MS.

05/08/2025

Shaping Tomorrow Together

People living with multiple sclerosis and their carepartners are the experts on what it’s like to live with MS. Shaping Tomorrow Together is a unique opportunity to share your lived experience of MS with:

-Government staff in charge of regulating drugs
-People working at life science companies
-Healthcare professionals
-MS researchers

They want to hear about:
-The daily impacts of MS (now and over time)
-How you manage and treat MS
-What matters most to you about new therapies

SHAPING TOMORROW TOGETHER SURVEY

The National MS Society and the Accelerated Cure Project partnered to develop a survey to capture the impact of MS on daily life. You can help inform the development of better treatments for people living with MS by completing the Shaping Tomorrow Together survey here:

Perspectives on Living with MS.

15/07/2025

MS Trial Alert: Remote Study Tests Whether Online Program Can Reduce Fatigue in 2000 People with MS

Summary: Investigators in the United States are recruiting 2,000 people with multiple sclerosis for a study determining whether an online program can reduce fatigue by improving self-management. The study is sponsored by Accelerated Cure and the Department of Defense MS Research Program. This study also is known as the Confirmatory Trial for Alleviating Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis (CAFE-MS).

Contact: For more information, please visit cafems.iconquerms.org

The National MS Society is the leading resource for MS research, education, and support. See how we drive progress to change the world for people affected by MS.

06/06/2025

Here’s Part One of RealTalk MS coverage from the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) annual meeting last week in Phoenix, AZ.

You’ll hear Dr. Kathy Zackowski, the National MS Society's Associate Vice President of Research, share her overview of the sessions and presentations that particularly stood out to her.

Next, you will hear from Dr. Stephen Krieger, who led a panel of experts discussing why the current terms used to describe MS (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive) are no longer adequate. He also addressed the question, "If MS is one disease, what does that mean for clinical conversations?"

Don’t miss it! Listen now to Episode 405!

15/04/2025

Online Survey: Exercise Needs and Preferences of Older Adults with MS

The Exercise, Aging, and Functional Ability Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking adults aged 55 and older with multiple sclerosis (MS) to complete an online survey. This research aims to explore the exercise needs and preferences of older adults with MS in a home-based setting.

The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete and includes questions about overall health, MS-specific information, physical activity history, and factors that may facilitate or hinder physical activity. It also covers topics such as exercise safety, beliefs about home-based exercise, exercise preferences, social support, and the square-stepping exercise program.

All responses are anonymous, and the survey can be accessed below. If you have any questions, please email esebast2@illinois.edu

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

08/04/2025

As a friendly reminder, online ticket sales to attend the MSAA Women of Action Atlanta Luncheon and Fashion Show close this Thursday, April 10th!

Can't make the event? Please consider a donation! The donation option will remain open through the event.

Thanks for your support of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America's mission of Improving Lives Today for those affected by MS.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America invites you to attend our inaugural Women of Action Luncheon and Fashion Show - Atlanta on Wednesday, April 16 at the Cherokee Town Club; The Women of Action Luncheon and Fashion Show event offers a unique and tar...

03/04/2025

MS Trial Alert: Remote Study Tests Whether Online Program Can Reduce Fatigue in 2000 People with MS

Investigators in the United States are recruiting 2,000 people with multiple sclerosis for a study determining whether an online program can reduce fatigue by improving self-management. The study is sponsored by Accelerated Cure and the Department of Defense MS Research Program. This study also is known as the Confirmatory Trial for Alleviating Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis (CAFE-MS).

The National MS Society is the leading resource for MS research, education, and support. See how we drive progress to change the world for people affected by MS.

05/03/2025

Are you looking for the perfect opportunity to experience an inspiring social event while improving the lives of those impacted by MS in our community?

MSAA invites you to attend our Women of Action Luncheon and Fashion Show on Wednesday, April 16th at the Cherokee Town Club in Atlanta!

In addition to our amazing models from the MS community, we are thrilled to welcome two special guests and friends of MSAA: Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams-Brown and Michelle Taylor Willis

Learn more by visiting: https://engage.mymsaa.org/women-of-action/e624599

03/03/2025

Research Survey Alert: Optimizing Digital Tools for Monitoring MS Symptoms

The PROMS Initiative is inviting people with MS aged 18 or older to complete a survey that aims to understand the views of people with MS about using digital tools (websites, apps, smartwatches, etc.) to monitor MS symptoms.

The National MS Society is the leading resource for MS research, education, and support. See how we drive progress to change the world for people affected by MS.