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
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Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/469
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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
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RealTalk MS Episode 469
Guest: Dr. Anna Kratz
Episode 468: You’ve Been Given a 15% Chance of Living and Your Spouse Gets Diagnosed with MS with Kathleen Silva
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 can 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