RealTalk MS

Relapses make life with MS unpredictable. Understanding what they are, why they happen, and how best to manage them can make a relapse less scary and easier to navigate.
 

This week, Dr. Gabriela Karolidis, a board-certified neurologist and neuroimmunologist at Thomas Jefferson University, joins us for a deep dive into MS relapses.





The MS International Federation has just updated the Atlas of MS, showing more than 3 million people living with MS worldwide. We're sharing the details behind the new numbers.
We'll also share a study showing how wearable activity trackers add a dimension of real-world data that provides a more complete picture of an individual's mobility throughout the day.
We'll tell you about research on Vitamin D supplements that fails to determine whether they are beneficial for people living with MS.
We're sharing study results showing that social and socioeconomic factors clearly affect cognitive function among people living with MS. 
We're also sharing results from a nationwide study in Denmark that focused on whether high-efficacy DMTs affect progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA).
And we'll tell you about a fall prevention study that you may be eligible to participate in (compensation provided!).
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Navigating a relapse  :22
Global MS prevalence surpasses 3 million   :57
A study shows that wearable activity trackers help create a more complete picture of an individual's mobility   6:38
Researchers attempt to determine whether Vitamin D supplements help people living with MS   10:14
A study provides evidence that social and socioeconomic factors impact cognitive function in people living with MS  13:58
A nationwide study in Denmark focuses on whether high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies have an impact on progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA)  17:20
You may be eligible to participate in a fall prevention study (compensation is provided)  21:11
Dr. F. Gabriela Karolidis takes us on a deep dive into MS relapses  22:58
Share this episode  37:52
Next week  38:12

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/471
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
STUDY: Global Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis Surpasses 3 Million: 2024 Update of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Atlas of MS
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13524585261479954

RESOURCE: Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Atlas of MS
https://msif.org/atlas
STUDY: Diurnal Step Count Patterns in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13524585261475910
STUDY: Vitamin D Supplementation and Its Effect on Relapse Frequency and MRI Activity in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/brb3.71692
STUDY: Social and Socioeconomic Factors and Cognitive Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis
https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221103482600475X
STUDY: Effectiveness of Escalation Versus Early High-Efficacy Therapies on Progression Independent of Relapse Activity In Multiple Sclerosis: A Danish Nationwide Study
https://neurologyopen.bmj.com/content/8/2/e001690
PARTICIPATE: University of Illinois Disability, Participation, and Quality of Life Research Laboratory Fall Prevention Study
Email: DPQoL-FallPrev@illinois.edu
REGISTER: ECTRIMS Patient Community Day
https://ectrimspatientcommunity.eu
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 471
Guest: Dr. Gabriela Karolidis
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Wise men and women remind us that life is a marathon, and not a sprint. Joining us this week is Benji Wilkins. Benji is a magician in the U.K., and for 42 days this summer, his life was quite literally a marathon. In the process, Benji raised money to help his mom, who lives with MS, and he raised awareness of MS across the U.K. and around the world.  


We're also sharing results of a study that focused on gait training using a powered exoskeleton for people living with MS.
We'll tell you how you can participate in the MOMENT-MS study and help researchers develop a smartphone app that takes a novel approach to managing MS-related pain.
And we're reminding you to register for ECTRIMS Patient Community Day. It's your opportunity to participate in the largest MS research conference in the world!
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Running a marathon a day (when you're not a runner) for MS  :22
Cleveland Clinic researchers look at gait training using a powered exoskeleton for people with MS  1:02
University of Washington researchers are developing an app to manage MS pain using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. And you can help them!   6:53
Sign up to participate in the largest MS research conference in the world   5:27
Benji Wilkins describes what it's like to run 42 marathons in 42 days on behalf of his mom, who lives with MS  6:53 
Share this episode  29:01
Next week  29:20

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/470
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
STUDY: Feasibility and Outcomes of Gait Training With a Powered Exoskeleton in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40465831

SUPPORT: Marathons For Mum
Web: https://marathonsformum.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/benjitwilkins
PARTICIPATE: MOMENT-MS Study
Web:   https://uwmsrehabwell.org/moment-ms
Email: momentms@uw.edu
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6TA5-9dy7s
REGISTER: ECTRIMS Patient Community Day
https://ectrimspatientcommunity.eu
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 470
Guest: Benji Wilkins
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Cognitive changes in MS—fluctuations in processing speed, memory, and executive function—can significantly impact daily life, yet they're often misunderstood or overlooked in routine clinical exams. This week, we are joined by Dr. Anna Kratz, clinical psychologist and Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan, to discuss actionable, evidence-based ways to navigate cognitive challenges. 


Dr. Kratz breaks down the latest findings from the CogDetect-MS study, exploring how daily symptom fluctuations, complex medication regimens, and common substances like caffeine and cannabis influence brain fog. She also shares practical compensatory workarounds and introduces a no-cost digital self-management resource, My MSToolKit.
We'll also explain the new framework for describing MS that's been proposed by the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in Multiple Sclerosis.
We're sharing study results that reveal why detecting even a single silent lesion on an MRI should trigger an immediate conversation about stepping up to high-efficacy therapy.
And we'll tell you about 2 advanced MRI markers that can predict future cognitive decline — even in the absence of any relapses or new lesions on MRI.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Maintaining and improving cognitive function  :22
The International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in Multiple Sclerosis calls for updating the way MS is described   1:12
A study provides evidence for switching your DMT when there's even a single silent lesion on your MRI   6:53
Scientists identify two MRI markers that can predict future cognitive decline in early relapsing-remitting MS   10:53
Dr. Anna Kratz discusses maintaining and improving cognitive function  15:33 
Share this episode  42:13
Next week  42:33

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/469
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
PAPER: Towards a Biologically Informed Description of Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course -- A Roadmap for Transition
https://rdcu.be/fxBw1

STUDY: Treatment Escalation After Clinically Silent MRI Lesions in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awag252/8741305
STUDY: Paramagnetic Rim Lesions and Choroid Plexus Volume at Diagnosis Are Associated With Cognitive Progression Independent of Relapse and MRI Activity in Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acn3.70448
REGISTER: ECTRIMS Patient Community Day
https://ectrimspatientcommunity.eu
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 469
Guest: Dr. Anna Kratz
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Imagine your spouse or significant other has been diagnosed with MS...shortly after you were diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, and given just a 15% chance of survival. All of a sudden, the roles of patient and care partner are up for grabs -- and they change with almost daily frequency. 


That's exactly the scenario my guest, Kathleen Silva, faced. Kathleen is joining me to discuss how she and her husband, Rick, survived and thrived amid that frightening chaos. (Spoiler alert -- no one died!) 
We'll also tell you about an investigational drug that's the first to promise neuroprotection during an MS relapse.
We're sharing study results that show people with MS who meet the medical criteria aren't jumping on the GLP-1 bandwagon.
We'll provide compelling evidence for anyone with MS to quit smoking. 
And we're breaking down the results of a study that analyzed mortality rates in cases where MS was listed as the underlying cause of death.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: When the roles of patient and care partner get turned upside down and inside out  :22
The FDA green lights clinical trials for an investigational drug that promises neuroprotection during an MS relapse   1:08
People living with MS who meet the medical criteria aren't jumping on the GLP-1 bandwagon   5:43
Study results provide startling evidence for quitting smoking if you're living with MS   8:34
In spite of highly effective DMTs, mortality rates for deaths in which MS is listed as the underlying cause are increasing  14:05
Kathleen Silva takes us through the harrowing time in her life when her husband, Rick, was diagnosed with MS shortly after she had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and given just a 15% chance of surviving   19:23 
Share this episode  35:12
Next week  36:31

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/468
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
STUDY: Use of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Among People with Multiple Sclerosis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13524585261442033

STUDY: Impact of Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption on Disease Progression and MRI In People With Multiple Sclerosis: Results of the Prospective Cohort Study NationMS
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17562864261464304
STUDY: Racial and Ethnic Trends and Comorbidity Patterns in Multiple Sclerosis Mortality
https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WN9.0000000000000148
REGISTER: ECTRIMS Patient Community Day
https://ectrimspatientcommunity.eu
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 468
Guest: Kathleen Silva
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If you Google the term "shared decision making", you'll find it defined as a collaborative process where patients and clinicians work together to select tests, treatments, and care plans based on clinical evidence and the patient's personal values and goals.
But shared decision-making isn't an automatic happy pill. It takes work, it takes discipline, and it takes a clear understanding of both the patient's and the clinician's roles. This week, Dr. Aliza Ben-Zacharia and Linda Lachman join me to share how shared decision-making has worked for them over the course of their longtime doctor-patient relationship, and how it can work for you.


We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: We're taking a deep dive into shared decision-making  :22
Dr. Aliza Ben-Zacharia and Linda Lachman discuss how they have made shared decision-making work, and what to do if it isn't working for you and your neurologist  2:39
Share this episode  32:05
Next week  32:25

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/467
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 467
Guests: Dr. Aliza Ben-Zacharia and Linda Lachman
Privacy Policy