What happens when our cognitive functioning is challenged – which is the case for many people living with MS? To shed some light on the impact of cognitive decline and the future perspectives for cognitive rehabilitation in MS, we have the pleasure of having Hanneke Hulst, assistant professor from the MS center in Amsterdam, (Amsterdam UMC – VUmc), in the studio for this episode. October, 2020. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

Biomarkers are important in MS, as they can potentially help with diagnosing patients, inform about disease prognosis, and help monitor disease activity and progression. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is one of the most promising biomarkers in MS, but is it ready for clinical practice? In this episode, Professor of Neurology Finn Sellebjerg will tell us about the potential and limitations of this exciting biomarker. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

In this episode we’ll talk more about what hides behind the structures of our brain, in the core of the thalamus. Thalamic atrophy measurements have existed for a long time, but within MS it is quite new to look into the thalamic atrophy, also as a biomarker. Today’s guest, Prof. Dr. Cristina Granziera, will tell us more about how knowledge about thalamic atrophy can be implemented in clinical practice. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

MS has long been considered a disease of focal white matter lesions, but recent studies have highlighted the importance of diffuse occult brain damage. Are we facing a paradigm shift? In this episode we'll talk to Dr. Jens Wuerfel about deep grey matter atrophy and advanced imaging to reveal and quantify occult damage of the CNS. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

Guest host Svend Geertsen, Medical Advisor for MS in Sanofi Genzyme Denmark, will in this episode discuss the relevance and challenges with measuring brain atrophy with brain imaging experts Morten Blinkenberg, Senior Consultant at the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center at Rigshospitalet, and Professor Hartwig Siebner, Head of Research at the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance at Hvidovre Hospital. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

Professor Gavin Giovannoni will in this episode tell us more about the "real MS" - why we should stop focusing only on relapses and MRI activity, but rather go beyond and look at end organ damage or accelerated brain loss. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

Recognized psychologists and author couple behind the Self-coping Guide, Johanna and Jan-Henry Stenberg, will in this episode give insight into the “invisible” dimensions of a chronic disease, and how to cope with chronic illness. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

Associate Professor at Aarhus University, Ulrik Dalgas, addresses physical activity in MS patients today, it’s effects on patients and whether exercise should be considered medicine in the treatment of MS. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

In this episode, Paivi Hamalainen, Finnish neuropsychologist at Masku Neurological Rehabilitation Centre in Finland talks about the treatment of cognitive impairments of a chronic disease, and what neurologists can learn in order to provide a more holistic approach to treating patients with MS disease. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

In this episode, the author behind the world´s first study on brain aging within MS, Einar Høgestøl, whom is Doctor and PhD fellow at the Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, talks about the brain age gap and whether using AI technology could point us towards improved MS care. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310

Elisabeth Gulowsen Celius, Professor and specialist in neurology at Oslo University Hospital talks about what the brain actually can tell us, the importance of brain health in MS, and her contribution to the international Brain Health initiative. The next episode of The MS Podcast will be released on January 23 2020. GZNO.MS.19.11.0310