MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast

This episode was supported by Sanofi S.A. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Klarissa Hanja Stürner about chronic smoldering inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS)—a slow, often hidden process that may drive disease progression even when relapses and MRI activity appear stable. Dr. Stürner explains how chronic inflammation behind the blood–brain barrier differs from acute relapse-related inflammation, why it is so difficult to detect with current imaging, and which warning signs people with MS should take seriously. We also discuss PIRA (Progression Independent of Relapse Activity), the role of microglia and macrophages, and why new treatment approaches such as BTK inhibitors are considered a promising step forward in MS research. This episode offers a clear, evidence-based, and hopeful perspective for anyone who wants to better understand MS progression beyond relapses. 📝 Read the full article on the MS-Perspective blog for a detailed written summary of the conversation: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/146-dr-stuerner Topics covered in this episode What chronic smoldering inflammation in MS means Differences between acute relapses and smoldering inflammation Inflammation behind the blood–brain barrier Why MRI often fails to detect these processes Clinical red flags for progression without relapses PIRA explained in simple terms The role of microglia and macrophages in MS BTK inhibitors as a new therapeutic approach Current challenges and future directions in MS research --- Many thanks to Dr. Stürner for the insightful interview and this positive outlook on the present and the future. See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Living with multiple sclerosis means making daily decisions that go far beyond medication. Mental health, lifestyle, rehabilitation, empowerment, and access to care all play a crucial role in how well people live with MS. In this special episode from ECTRIMS 2025, I bring together insights from six international experts who presented new research on well-being, mental health, lifestyle interventions, and patient empowerment in MS. You'll hear what is already evidence-based, what looks promising but needs more research, and—most importantly—what you can realistically take from this research into your everyday life with MS. 👉 You can also read the full blog article with all details and references here: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/145-mental-health 🧠 Presentations & Key Topics 1️⃣ Types of Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being Rehabilitation in MS Christoph Heesen (Germany) What actually works when it comes to mental health support in MS? This presentation reviews psychotherapy, mindfulness, self-management, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation—and why mental health care should be a standard part of MS treatment. 2️⃣ Designing Well-Being Rehabilitation Trials With Implementation in Mind Marcia Finlayson (Canada) Why promising interventions often never reach everyday care—and how research design must change so that well-being programs become accessible, affordable, and sustainable for people with MS. 3️⃣ Concealment of MS Diagnosis and Symptoms Rebecca Maguire (Ireland) Many people with MS hide their diagnosis or symptoms. This talk explores how concealment affects mental health, help-seeking behavior, and long-term well-being—and what support is needed. 4️⃣ A Goal-Oriented, Personalized Well-Being Intervention for Progressive MS Silvia Poli (Italy) Insights from the Living Well Program show how personalized, goal-based approaches can restore meaning, motivation, and a sense of control—especially for people with progressive MS. 5️⃣ Nurse-Led Expert Patient Programmes in MS Care Miguel Angel Robles Sanchez (Spain) How nurse-led, empowerment-focused programs improve knowledge, confidence, and engagement with care—and why peer learning matters in long-term MS management. 6️⃣ Sustained Benefits of a Multi-Domain Lifestyle Intervention: The LIMS Study Arianne Gravesteijn (Netherlands) Long-term results from a lifestyle intervention targeting diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress show sustained improvements in anxiety, fatigue, psychological impact, and general health over 24 months. 🌱 What This Means for You Across all six presentations, one message stands out: Living well with MS is multifaceted, modifiable, and supported by growing evidence. Mental health, lifestyle habits, empowerment, and personalized goals are not "extras"—they are essential parts of MS care today and in the future. 📌 Further Reading 👉 Read the full accompanying blog article with detailed explanations and practical takeaways: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/145-mental-health 🔔 Subscribe & Share If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, share it with others living with MS, and help spread evidence-based information that empowers. This podcast shares research insights and lived perspectives. It does not replace individual medical advice. --- Hear you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

In this episode, wheelchair padel athlete and clinical research expert Kristen Paskins shares how she rebuilt her confidence after suddenly losing her mobility in 2022. Traveling alone with a wheelchair for the first time — to attend the EUPATI training in Madrid — became a turning point in her journey toward independence, advocacy, and self-discovery. You can read through the interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/144-kristen We talk honestly about the emotional and practical realities of traveling with a wheelchair, including airport challenges, accessibility barriers, fears, resilience, and the unexpected wins that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Kristen also explains how disability sport helped her reclaim joy and identity, and why patient advocacy has become one of her strongest missions. A key part of the conversation is the global Rights on Flights campaign led by disability advocate Sophie Morgan, which fights for equitable and safe air travel for people with mobility impairments. Kristen shares her experience, why reporting incidents matters, and how collective voices can drive meaningful change. Links mentioned in the episode: 🎥 Documentary "Sophie Morgan's Fight to Fly" (Channel 4): https://www.channel4.com/programmes/sophie-morgans-fight-to-fly 🌍 Rights on Flights – Report air travel incidents & join the movement: https://rightsonflights.com/ In this episode, you'll learn: • How Kristen lost her mobility and rebuilt her independence • The emotional impact of traveling alone for the first time • Practical tips for accessible travel and navigating mobility assistance • Why airports remain the biggest challenge for wheelchair users • How Rights on Flights is pushing for systemic change in aviation • The importance of community and disability sport • What Kristen wishes she'd known earlier in her journey • Her message to anyone afraid to travel with mobility challenges Whether you live with MS, FND, or another condition affecting mobility, Kristen's story offers strength, understanding, and the reassurance that life can open up again — sometimes in ways you never expected. --- Hear you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

In this episode of MS-Perspektive International, host Nele von Horsten talks with Dr. Riley Bove, Associate Professor of Neurology at UCSF, about how menopause impacts MS. They explore hormonal changes in perimenopause, why menopausal and MS symptoms overlap so strongly and what this means for diagnosis and daily life. You can read through the cleaned transcript of the interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/143-riley-bove Dr. Bove explains the benefits and risks of hormone therapy, including the importance of the "window of opportunity", and shares findings from recent studies using biomarkers like neurofilament light chain. She also offers practical advice on symptom management, lifestyle strategies and how women with MS can use midlife as a health checkpoint. In this episode you'll learn: Which hormonal changes happen in perimenopause Why menopause can mimic MS progression How hormone therapy may help – and when to be careful What biomarkers tell us about brain aging in MS Which lifestyle strategies support women in this phase How and where can people follow Dr. Bove's research or get in touch? Dr. Riley Bove: People are welcome to contact me by email via UCSF and to visit our lab website at bovelab.ucsf.edu. There, you can find more information about our research, publications and ongoing studies related to women's health, menopause and MS. --- For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Maybe you already use your phone, a wearable, or one of the many MS-related apps to track your symptoms or support your daily routines. But when it comes to rehabilitation, the real question is: which digital tools actually help — and which ones are just noise? In this ECTRIMS session, researchers from around the world explored how technology can enhance rehabilitation for people with MS. Their message was clear: digital tools can open new doors, but only when they are designed well, grounded in science, and truly support your everyday life. You can read through the complete article here: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/142-digital-rehab In this episode, you'll hear about: 1. Alon Kalron – Israel How digital technologies—from smartphones to sensor-based rehab tools—can extend what your rehab team can see and support between appointments. 2. Andrea Tacchino – Italy Why digital outcome measurements matter, how sensors can capture real-life changes, and what it takes to turn raw data into meaningful digital biomarkers. 3. Gabriele Perachiotti – Italy How high-intensity, task-oriented circuit training can improve balance, fatigue, and quality of life—even in people with severe mobility limitations—and how a simple home-based telerehab setup helps maintain progress. 4. Andrea Baroni – Italy How machine-learning models can predict rehab outcomes and why your starting functional level is the strongest predictor of future improvement. 5. Diogo Haddad Santos – Brazil Why "strange" visual symptoms in MS often reflect real, measurable eye-movement changes—and how portable eye-tracking may become a new digital biomarker. 6. Katrin Parmar – Switzerland Which balance tests reflect high-tech lab measurements, and why static and dynamic balance need to be tested separately. Topics we explore: The promise and limits of MS apps & wearable sensors Digital biomarkers for gait, balance, fatigue, and vision Task-oriented training and telerehabilitation Predicting rehab outcomes using machine learning Eye-tracking and the hidden world of visual symptoms Static vs. dynamic balance: why both matter How to decide which digital tools are worth your time What you'll take away: Not every digital tool is useful — evidence and usability matter. Sensors can capture changes that clinic visits miss. Even with higher disability, meaningful rehab gains are possible. Your starting function strongly shapes your rehab journey. Subjective symptoms (like visual strain) deserve objective investigation. The future of MS rehab is a blend of clinic + lab + digital. --- See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.