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RealTalk MS Is On Right Now!

Join host Jon Strum each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news. We’re talking about the amazing MS research that’s currently being done in laboratories around the world — and we’re talking to some of the brilliant neuroscientists who are conducting that research!

We’re monitoring the debate among our lawmakers surrounding prescription drug price transparency, healthcare legislation, funding for new and experimental MS research — anything that might impact your MS treatments.

And we’re talking with MS activists, MS caregivers, and other heroes who strive to raise the bar for those who battle MS every day.

If you’re affected by multiple sclerosis — as a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend — join us for RealTalk MS.

Episode 165: Understanding MS Clinical Research with Dr. Sandi Cassard and Diane Kramer


Almost everything that we've learned about multiple sclerosis is the result of people with MS choosing to participate in clinical research. When it comes to MS and most every other chronic illness, clinical research is the common denominator of all medical progress.

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This week, we're breaking down the details of MS clinical research with my guests, Dr. Sandi Cassard, a research associate in the Neurology department at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Diane Kramer, who has participated in more than 20 research studies since being diagnosed with MS in 2010.

And after analyzing COVID-19 MS patient registries and studies from countries around the world, the MS International Federation has issued updated COVID-19 guidance for people living with MS. We'll tell you about it — and if you've downloaded the RealTalk MS app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, you'll receive your own copy of this detailed guidance under the Bonus Content tab!

We also have some final words before election day to share with our listeners in the U.S. And they're not even our words! 

We'll share the results of a study that may offer a clue as to why African-Americans with MS are likely to experience more relapses, greater disability, and often require mobility assistance earlier in their disease course when compared to Caucasians with MS.

You'll also hear about an MRI study that shows Hispanics with MS are at a higher risk for developing more aggressive forms of MS at an earlier age when compared to Caucasians with MS.

And you'll meet a true difference-maker when you meet Nightingale Award recipient and founder of MS Bright Spots of Hope, Michelle Keating.

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

Have you checked out MSTranslate?  1:03

Healthcare is on the ballot! Have you voted yet???  3:42

MSIF issues updated COVID-19 guidance for people living with MS    9:38

Researchers discover 2 gene variants that may help explain why African-Americans with MS often have a more severe disease course than Caucasians with MS  10:58

A study shows that Hispanics with MS are at a higher risk of developing more aggressive forms of MS at an earlier age.  12:44

My Interview with MS researcher Dr. Sandi Cassard and Diane Kramer  14:57

My Interview with Nightingale Award recipient and founder of MS Bright Spots of Hope Michelle Keating  24:08

Share this episode  35:52

Donate to the National MS Society COVID-19 Response Fund  36:12

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LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com

Give RealTalk MS a Rating and Review

National MS Society's Ask An MS Expert Video Replay

What You Need to Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

MSTranslate

MSIF Global COVID-19 Advisory for People with MS

STUDY: Two Genetic Variants Explain the Association of European Ancestry with Multiple Sclerosis Risk in African-Americans

UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Project

STUDY: Brain MRI Finds Hispanic Patients Develop More Aggressive MS

MS Bright Spots of Hope

National MS Society COVID-19 Response Fund

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Give RealTalk MS a Rating and Review

Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.

RealTalk MS Episode 165
Guests: Dr. Sandi Cassard, Diane Kramer, and Michelle Keating

Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResearch, MSSociety, MSActivist, MSIF, MSInternationalFederation, COVID-19, RealTalkMS