MS research update - 30 July 2009
- Electromagnetic therapy improves levels of fatigue in multiple sclerosis
- Higher levels of disability in MS linked to cognitive problems but not depression
- Early information about possible MS is warranted in cases of suspected MS
- Partial information about parental MS detrimental to children's mental health
- Patterns and reasons for use of non-conventional medicines in people with MS
Electromagnetic therapy improves levels of fatigue in multiple sclerosis
This study assessed the long-term effects of an electromagnetic therapy device, Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) in people with multiple sclerosis related fatigue compared alongside a placebo (inactive/ dummy intervention). 37 people with relapsing remitting MS and significant fatigue underwent BEMER magnetic field treatment for eight minutes twice daily for twelve weeks. The group receiving BEMER treatment demonstrated improvements on several fatigue scales compared to the group receiving placebo treatment and BEMER treatment was well tolerated. The study authors recognize that further studies with a greater number of participants are needed to confirm these results.
Piatkowski J, Kern S, Ziemssen T.
Effect of BEMER magnetic field therapy on the level of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2009; 15(5): 507-511.
Medline abstract
Higher levels of disability in MS linked to cognitive problems but not depression
Cognitive problems and emotional disorders are commonly reported by people with MS. The most common cognitive problem is memory whilst the most common emotional disorder is depression. This study aimed to determine whether there is any link between the cognitive or emotional disorders and physical impairment as assessed by EDSS (a disability rating scale that is used by clinicians to rate levels of impairment and mobility). Fifty randomly selected people with different types of MS took part in the study. The results of the study indicated that older people with higher levels of impairment as reflected by higher EDSS scores had more pronounced cognitive problems. There did not appear to be any significant link between higher EDSS scores and depression.
Alajbegović A, Loga N, Tiro N, et al.
Cognitive and depressive disorders in multiple sclerosis.
Acta Clinica Croatica 2009; 48(1): 3-8.
Medline abstract
Early information about possible MS is warranted in cases of suspected MS
'Suspected MS' is a term that is often presented to people who present with symptoms that are suggestive of MS. While the importance of shared decision making with regards to starting a course of disease modifying drug treatment is increasingly recognised, there appears to be little recognition of the importance of shared decision making in relation to diagnostic testing where a diagnosis of MS is suspected but has yet to be confirmed. This study describes the development and evaluation of a leaflet to be presented to people with suspected MS to engage them in a diagnostic decision-making process. Interestingly, 70% of patients indicated that they wanted to be informed about a possible diagnosis of MS, whilst 10% did not want to be informed. Perhaps surprisingly, the leaflet did not appear to influence attitudes to undergo diagnostic testing, nor induce patient anxiety. The study concludes that information about possible MS is warranted by patients and is not associated with any negative side effects.
Heesen C, Schäffler N, Kasper J, et al.
Suspected multiple sclerosis - what to do? Evaluation of a patient information leaflet.
Multiple Sclerosis 2009 [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract
Partial information about parental MS detrimental to children's mental health
The profound impact that MS can have on family members, particularly children of people with MS is widely recognised. The present study investigated how the level of communication about a parent's MS was linked to the emotional well-being of children, parental depression, family functioning and illness related impairment. Fifty-six families were assigned to one of three groups according to how much information about their condition they had communicated to their children: 'no information', 'partial information' or 'total disclosure'. The findings of this study suggest that children who receive only partial information about their parent's MS displayed more social and behavioural problems than their counterparts. The study discusses the potential need for professional support for parents in communicating the meaning of MS to their children.
Paliokosta E, Stavroula D, Kolaitis G, et al.
Breaking bad news: communication around parental multiple sclerosis with children.
Families, Systems and Health 2009; 27(1): 64-76.
Medline abstract
Patterns and reasons for use of non-conventional medicines in people with MS
Existing research suggests that a significant proportion of the MS population use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This Australian study highlights some interesting patterns in the usage of CAMs and dietary interventions based on the completed questionnaires of 428 people with MS. It also explores the reasons driving the use of CAM in this population. Interestingly, amongst the most frequently used CAMs were vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals, whilst low-fat, low-sugar, and gluten-free diets were the most popular diet regimens. CAM use was most frequently motivated by a desire to improve general health and well-being; and to alleviate general as well as specific MS symptoms including muscle weakness, memory and urinary problems.
Leong EM, Semple SJ, Angley M, et al.
Complementary and alternative medicines and dietary interventions in multiple sclerosis: what is being used in South Australia and why?
Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2009; 17(4): 216-223.
Medline abstract