Multiple sclerosis treatment for boosting brain function may benefit patients one day. The findings of the study suggest that boosting neuron activity in the brain may be beneficial for those suffering the demyelinating disease. This activated brain function could stimulate the production of a substance that protects nerve fibers. The findings could potentially pave the way for new multiple sclerosis treatment.

The way brain activity controls the myelin production by specialized cells has been long unknown. The researchers examined how change in the activity of neurons affects the amount of myelin is produced in the brains of zebrafish. They found that decreased brain function also reduces the amount of myelin produced, but when brain activity was increased in the fish, myelin production was boosted by 40 percent.

Study lead Dr. David Lyons said, “We have a long way to go before we fully understand how our brain activity regulates myelin production, but the fact that this is even something that the brain can do is a good news story. We are hopeful that one day in the future we may be able to translate this type of discovery to help treat disease and to maintain a healthy nervous system through life.”

Dr. Emma Gray, Head of Biomedical Research at the Multiple Sclerosis Society, added, “The more we learn about how myelin production happens in the brain, the more chance we have of developing effective and targeted therapies to repair myelin in people with MS.”

How does multiple sclerosis affect the nervous system?

Although the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, its negative impact on the nervous system is undeniable. Multiple sclerosis is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks itself. In the case of multiple sclerosis, it begins to attack the myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers and the spinal cord.

As the myelin deteriorates, the nerves are exposed and thus the risk of damage increases. As a result of the nerve damage, the signals that go to the brain get mixed up or even blocked, causing neurological difficulties. Examples of these ensuing issues are vision loss, slurred speech, and even paralysis.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may appear as a flare-up or last for a longer period of time, depending on the severity of damage to the nerve fibers. Although there is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are medications available to manage symptoms and help restore everyday function.

Related Reading:

Multiple sclerosis treatment more effective with older rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma drug: Study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment is more effective with older rheumatoid arthritis and lymphoma drug, according to a new study. The drug is known as Mabthera, and it has been found to be more effective in treating multiple sclerosis than many intended MS drugs. Many current multiple sclerosis drugs have adverse side effects with limit their application. Continue reading…

Multiple sclerosis-associated myelitis has distinct characteristics, early detection with MRI scan possible: Study

Multiple sclerosis-associated myelitis has distinct characteristics, making early detection with MRI and ensuing early treatment possible. Researchers found that patients with myelitis who later develop multiple sclerosis may be distinguished from other cases through distinct characteristics – such as the location and size of spinal cord lesions. These findings may help better scan for multiple sclerosis before it develops. Continue reading…